To date, Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) has no cure, but treatment can alleviate symptoms and delay the progression of the disease.
Currently available treatment approaches include, but are not limited to (in order depending on the severity of CKD) [note] http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Kidney-disease-chronic/Pages/Treatment.aspx[/note]
- lifestyle changes
- medication
- dialysis
- kidney transplant
As with any other condition, early detection and diagnosis are imperative to the success of the treatment approach. Also, as with any other condition, the biggest issue most people (and their caregivers) face is adherence, or lack of [note]https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/238798-treatment[/note].
“Lifestyle changes” usually includes quitting smoking, improving diet, increasing the amount of physical activity, and reducing stress — all of which may contribute to better overall well-being for anyone, not just those who have ESRD.
Medication depends, again, on the stage of the CKD and on other conditions the person may suffer from. Often, people with ESRD are prescribed multiple drugs, even in addition to dialysis (the next stage in treatment).
Right before the most “extreme” form of treatment — kidney transplant — is dialysis. Of the more than 3 million ESRD patients worldwide, most undergo dialysis in hemodialysis centers at hospitals, which means they are limited in their freedom to lead a normal life, work, and travel. [note]http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Dialysis/Pages/Introduction.aspx[/note].