With only 12% kidney function remaining, is recovery still possible?

Generally speaking, whether kidney function can be restored when only 12% remains depends on the underlying cause of kidney damage. If caused by reversible factors, kidney function may usually recover with appropriate treatment; however, if due to long-standing chronic kidney disease, complete recovery is typically not possible. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation and follow standardized treatment under a doctor's guidance. The specific analysis is as follows:

If the sudden drop in kidney function to 12% is caused by reversible factors—such as drug toxicity or acute kidney injury—prompt discontinuation of harmful medications and active treatment of the underlying condition may lead to partial recovery of kidney function. In such cases, kidney cells may still retain some viability, and appropriate therapy can promote repair and regeneration.

If the decline in kidney function to 12% results from chronic kidney diseases, such as diabetic nephropathy or glomerulonephritis, it is usually accompanied by irreversible kidney tissue damage, including glomerulosclerosis and renal interstitial fibrosis. These pathological changes are difficult to reverse, making functional recovery unlikely. Even with renal replacement therapy, symptoms may only be alleviated rather than achieving full restoration of kidney function.

It is recommended to maintain a low-salt, low-fat diet in daily life, drink plenty of water, and avoid high-salt and high-fat foods to prevent additional strain on the kidneys.