How should poor kidney function be treated?
Disease description:
I previously had chronic glomerulonephritis. At that time, I went to a major hospital for a kidney biopsy, and the doctor told me that I have membranous nephropathy. He emphasized that I must take medication regularly; otherwise, it could easily progress to nephrotic syndrome. May I ask, how should poor kidney function be treated?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Yang Ziqi
The treatment for impaired kidney function should be implemented through a comprehensive approach according to the patient's condition, mainly including:
1. **Medication therapy**: Use diuretics (e.g., furosemide) to reduce body fluid and restore water and sodium balance. Administer antihypertensive drugs (e.g., metoprolol, nifedipine) to control blood pressure and protect cardiac and kidney function. Treat renal anemia with medications such as ferrous sulfate.
2. **Nutritional therapy**: Regulate diet, especially adopting a high-quality low-protein diet to reduce the burden on the kidneys. Limit intake of sodium and potassium salts to avoid exacerbating edema and kidney damage.
3. **Dialysis therapy**: For patients with severely impaired kidney function, hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis can replace some kidney functions.
4. **Surgical therapy**: Kidney transplantation is an effective treatment for end-stage renal failure and can significantly prolong the patient's life.
5. **Treatment of underlying diseases**: Actively identify and treat underlying conditions causing kidney dysfunction, such as diabetes and hypertension.
