Depending on the underlying cause, it may be possible to treat certain types of kidney disease, according to the Mayo Clinic, although chronic kidney disease (CKD) often doesn’t have a cure. Along with regular testing to monitor disease progress, therapies are generally targeted at signs and symptoms, complications, and slowing disease advancement.*

Treatment of causes

Upon examination, a nephrologist, or kidney doctor, will address the cause of your CKD. Since there are various possible causes for CKD, treatment may differ for each individual. Even after the underlying cause has been controlled, however, such as high blood pressure, kidney impairment may continue.

Treatment of complications

To ease the following conditions associated with CKD and help you feel better, your doctor may prescribe certain medications: 

• Medications to lower high blood pressure and maintain the kidneys are often recommended, such as inhibitors of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) or angiotensin II receptor blockers. Your doctor is also likely to recommend diuretics, which increase urine production and reduce swelling in the legs and hands, in addition to a low-sodium diet.
• You may also be prescribed medications to lower your LDL (low-density lipoproteins, or “bad” cholesterol) levels, such as statins. High LDL levels can increase heart disease risk.
• The hormone erythropoietin may be prescribed for anemia to enhance red blood cell (erythrocyte) production and potentially relieve related tiredness and weakness.
• Calcium and vitamin D supplements may help to increase bone strength and lower the risk of fracture.
• To reduce waste products in the blood, your doctor may recommend a lower protein diet. Consuming less protein will reduce the burden on your kidneys.

Treatment of end-stage kidney disease

If the kidneys are unable to eliminate waste and clear fluid, total or near-total kidney failure may develop. At this stage, either dialysis or kidney transplantation is needed.

• Dialysis can remove extra fluid and waste artificially, either through hemodialysis, which uses a machine, or peritoneal dialysis, where the abdominal cavity is filled with a solution via catheter.
• Kidney transplantation involves the surgical emplacement of a healthy kidney from a deceased or living donor into the body. (Anti-rejection drugs will be needed indefinitely.)
• More conservative measures are another option. The Mayo Clinic is careful to note, however, that life expectancy is just several months at the point of complete kidney failure.

Future treatment options

Regenerative medicine may be possible in the future. This process involves repairing damaged organ tissue to help slow kidney disease progression. Such treatment may involve, for example, replacing injured cells with a donor’s healthy cells.

*Mayo Clinic. (2019, Aug. 15). Chronic Kidney Disease: Diagnosis and Treatment.