Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

Home care

These guidelines will help you care for yourself at home.

• If you have diabetes, talk with your doctor about keeping your blood sugar under control. Ask if you need to make any changes to your diet, lifestyle, or medicines.

• If you have high blood pressure:

  • Take prescribed medicine to lower your blood pressure to the recommended goal of less than 130/80.

  • Start a regular exercise program that you enjoy. Check with your doctor to be sure that your planned exercise program is right for you.

  • Eat less salt (sodium). Your doctor can tell you how much salt per day is safe for you.

• If you are overweight, talk with your doctor about a weight loss plan.

• If you smoke, you must quit. Smoking makes kidney disease worse and puts you at risk for getting other serious illnesses. Talk with your doctor about ways to help you quit. To learn more, visit the following links:

  • www.smokefree.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/clearing-the-air-accessible.pdf

  • www.smokefree.gov

• Most people with CKD need to follow a special diet. Make sure you understand yours. In general, you will need to limit protein, salt, potassium, and phosphorus. You may also need to limit how much fluid you drink.

• CKD is a risk factor for heart disease. Talk with your doctor about any other risk factors you might have and what you can do to reduce them.

• Talk with your doctor about any other medicines or supplements you are taking to find out if they need to be reduced or stopped.

• For your own safety, check with your doctor before taking any medicines or supplements. Don't use the following over-the-counter medicines. Or consult your doctor before using them.

  • Aspirin and NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen or naproxen. (Using acetaminophen for fever or pain is okay.)

  • Laxatives and antacids containing magnesium or aluminum

  • Fleet or phospho-soda enemas containing phosphorus

  • Certain stomach acid-blocking medicine, such as cimetidine or ranitidine 

  • Decongestants containing pseudoephedrine 

  • Herbal supplements

Follow-up care

Follow up with your doctor as advised. Visit these websites to learn more:

• American Association of Kidney Patients at www.aakp.org

• National Kidney Foundation at www.kidney.org

• American Kidney Fund at www.kidneyfund.org

If an X-ray, ECG (electrocardiogram), or other diagnostic test was taken, you'll be told of any new findings that may affect your care.

Call 911

Call 911 right away if:

• You have severe weakness, dizziness, fainting, drowsiness, or confusion.

• You have chest pain or shortness of breath.

• Your heart is beating fast, slow, or irregularly.

When to get medical advice

Contact your doctor right away if you have:

• An upset stomach (nausea) or vomiting.

• A fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or as advised by your doctor.

• Unexpected weight gain or swelling in the legs or ankles or around the eyes.

• Not been peeing a lot, or not peeing at all.

• New symptoms or symptoms that get worse.