End-stage renal disease

End-stage renal disease occurs when the kidneys can no longer filter waste and fluid from the blood effectively. This stage of kidney failure can lead to dangerous buildup of fluid, electrolytes, and waste in the body. At TidalHealth, our team helps you manage symptoms and provides treatments and support for living with kidney failure.

What causes end-stage renal disease?
Most often, end-stage renal disease results from chronic kidney disease, a gradual loss of kidney function over time. Conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure are common causes. When kidney disease progresses, treatment is needed to support the body’s essential functions.

Symptoms
Symptoms can include swelling in the legs and ankles, fatigue, nausea, trouble concentrating, and changes in urination. If you notice these changes, it is important to speak with your doctor.

Treatments for end-stage renal disease
When the kidneys can no longer do their job, treatments help keep the body in balance.

• Dialysis: A machine or special solution removes waste, extra salt, and fluids from the blood. There are two main types:
  • Hemodialysis: A filter cleans the blood.
  • Peritoneal dialysis: The lining of the abdomen and a cleansing solution remove waste.
• Kidney transplant: Some people may receive a donated kidney, which can take over the work of damaged kidneys.

Helping you manage kidney failure
Our team provides education and ongoing care for people living with end-stage renal disease. We help you understand your condition, manage symptoms, and explore treatment options that fit your needs. Managing other health issues, following a balanced diet, and attending regular checkups are all important for living as fully as possible with kidney disease.

What is end-stage renal disease?
End-stage renal disease is the final stage of chronic kidney disease, when the kidneys can no longer remove waste, fluids, and extra salts effectively. At this stage, treatments like dialysis or a kidney transplant are required.

What causes end-stage renal disease?
Long-term conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure are the leading causes. Over time, these conditions can damage the kidneys and lead to kidney failure.

What are the symptoms?
Symptoms may include swelling in the legs and ankles, fatigue, trouble concentrating, nausea and changes in urination. Some people may not notice symptoms until kidney function is severely reduced.

What treatments are available?
Treatments focus on removing waste and excess fluid from the blood. Dialysis can be done with a machine (hemodialysis) or using a special solution in the abdomen (peritoneal dialysis). A kidney transplant replaces damaged kidneys with a healthy donor kidney.

Can end-stage renal disease be prevented?
While it cannot always be prevented, controlling risk factors — such as managing blood sugar in diabetes, maintaining healthy blood pressure, stopping smoking, keeping a healthy weight and taking medications as directed — can slow the progression of kidney disease.

How does TidalHealth support patients with end-stage renal disease?
Our team provides guidance, education, and a range of treatments. We help you understand your options, manage related conditions, and support you at every step.