Guide To Kidney Disease Diagnosis And Treatment

Certain Medications

Doctors may prescribe certain medications to help with managing the symptoms of kidney disease. Many patients with this condition have high blood pressure and high cholesterol, and doctors typically prescribe angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers to lower blood pressure. Statins to lower cholesterol may also be necessary, and some patients could be prescribed a diuretic to reduce fluid retention and swelling. Since kidney disease can affect phosphorus levels, patients may be given a phosphate binder to reduce the amount of this mineral in the blood and to protect bone health. Both calcium and vitamin D supplements may be recommended to reduce the risk of bone fractures. Some patients with kidney disease could develop anemia, and this can contribute to the fatigue experienced by individuals with kidney disorders. In these cases, physicians often recommend the use of erythropoietin supplements, possibly with added iron. These supplements help the body produce more red blood cells, which can help patients have more energy.

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