Shortness of Breath in ESRD (Stage 5 CKD): Causes and Treatment

Various symptoms or complications appear when condition develops ESRD which is also known as stage 5 CKD. At this stage, the GFR level has declined to 15ml/min or below. Is there a relation between the appearance of those symptoms and the decline in renal function? Here we will talk about the causes and treatment for shortness of breath in ESRD.

Causes for shortness of breath in ESRD

With ESRD there is decreased production of Erythropoietin and anemia results. With a decreased number of red blood cells and therefore fewer cells to carry oxygen to the tissues, patients may feel tired easily and become short of breath after only minimal activity.

As failure progresses the kidney is less able to maintain a steady volume and concentration of body fluids. For many, as fluid and salt become increasingly difficult to remove, high blood pressure occurs as well as edema or fluid in the tissues. ESRD patients may have swelling of their legs and shortness of breath from accumulation of fluid in the lungs, also known as pulmonary edema.

Treatment for shortness of breath in stage 5 CKD

We need to start from deal with the cause for shortness of breath. Often patients benefit by taking injections of synthetic erythropoietin to achieve and improved blood count. Rennin is another kidney-produced hormone that is important in sodium and blood pressure control.

Medications may be necessary to control blood pressure and assist in fluid removal. Also, dialysis can be a common choice for ESRD patients to relieve shortness of breath and other symptoms.

However, it seems that we forget the real cause of shortness of breath in ESRD, and that is the kidney damage and impaired renal function. So the best treatment for shortness of breath should be the one which is aimed at repairing kidney damage and recovering renal function. Nowadays, Chinese medicine therapies are commonly used in the clinic to help stage 5 CKD patients live a life without dialysis and kidney transplant. If you are also interested in Chinese medicine therapies, welcomed to email to kidneyhospitalabroad@hotmail.com to tell us more about your own condition, we will reply you within 48 hours.