End-stage renal diseaseESRDis also known as kidney failure.
ESRD is when 85% to 90% of kidney function is gone.
This article discusses the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of ESRD.
Verywell / Laura Porter
Verywell / Laura Porter
What Causes Kidney Failure?
The most common causes of kidney failure in the United States arehigh blood pressureanddiabetes.
It can take more than 10 to 20 years of chronic kidney disease to reach end-stage.
Although dialysis can help, the kidneys still dont work as well as healthy kidneys.
The main treatments for ESRD include:
Dialysis helps the body excrete waste and extra fluids in the blood.
A kidney transplant gives you a healthy kidney by implanting it via surgery.
If you dont want to do dialysis or get a kidney transplant, medical management is available.
This involves treating the symptoms of kidney failure to manage them and providing supportive care.
It will not treat kidney failure and wont keep you alive.
It helps you live as comfortably as possible until your body cant function anymore.
This is when only 10% to 15% of kidney function remains.
Kidney failure cannot be cured, but there are treatments and ways to manage it.
A Word From Verywell
When CKD transitions to ESRD, it can be overwhelming.
Talk with your treatment team about how youre feeling and what your needs are right now.
They can help connect you with services and supports that can help with your emotional and practical needs.
For example, some treatments can help you live longer, and some medicines can help make you comfortable.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it cannot.
However, it can be treated and managed to help you live longer.
Talk with your healthcare team about your treatment options.
Kidney failure by itself is not painful.
You will not know by yourself if you need dialysis or a kidney transplant.
National Kidney Foundation.Kidney failure.
Penn Medicine.End-stage kidney disease.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.End stage renal disease (ESRD).
American Kidney Fund.Tests for kidney disease.
American Kidney Fund.Health problems brought on by kidney disease.
American Kidney Fund.Treatment of kidney failure.
American Kidney Fund.Managing kidney disease through lifestyle behaviors.
