The Basics Of Chronic Kidney Disease

Potential Future Chronic Kidney Disease Treatments

There are still improvements to be made in the treatment of chronic kidney disease, and there are four potential technologies that could make groundbreaking improvement in the management of chronic kidney disease. The human nephron filter is an implantable artificial system of nephrons that functions on a continuous basis to filter the patient's blood. Membrane-free dialysis using micro-fluid technology is another possible mechanism to create a portable artificial kidney.

A wearable artificial kidney is a prototype of a portable hemodialysis device that would eliminate the need for an affected individual to come to a medical facility to have their dialysis. The wearable artificial kidney for peritoneal dialysis is another prototype that helps the at-home technique of peritoneal dialysis become more convenient and place less limitation on a patient's daily life.

Preventative Tips

Considering the severity of this illness, and how it can become fatal if left untreated or improperly cared for, individuals who are prone to developing chronic kidney disease should consider taking preventative measures to reduce their risk. One preventative tip, although common sense, is for patients to follow instructions on over-the-counter medications, such as nonprescription pain relievers such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen. Ingesting too many pain relievers could lead to kidney damage and should be avoided if the patient already has kidney disease. Another helpful piece of advice is to eat a healthy, balanced diet and maintain a healthy weight with regular exercise.

If an individual needs to shed a few pounds, they should consult their doctor about the best strategies for healthy weight loss. Also, it is important to quit smoking or not start in the first place, as cigarette smoke can damage the kidneys and worsen the pre-existing damage. Lastly, an individual should manage their medical conditions with the help of their doctor because if they have a pre-existing condition that increases their chances of developing kidney disease, they will need to work closely with their doctor to control them.