Introduction:
Managing kidney failure can be difficult for the family, as well as the patient. Symptoms such as swelling, malaise, restlessness and appetite changes can affect one’s ability to perform daily activities. To add, the discomfort experienced due to the buildup of fluid can be alleviated by the use of various techniques, however, this does not necessarily alleviate all of the symptoms and discomforts associated with failure, and therefore, further palliative options may be necessary.
Palliative care in Bangalore can provide symptom relief and pain management options to patients with advanced kidney disease. Other options available at Regal Hospital include kidney care with nephrology, dialysis and other multispecialty services. Healthcare decisions are made based on the patients’ needs and conditions.
Families in North Bangalore including Thanisandra, Hennur, Yelahanka, Hebbal and Tirumanahalli may benefit from understanding palliative kidney care to help them take the next step in obtaining appropriate medical care.
What is Palliative Care for Advanced Kidney Failure?
Palliative care is the provision of specialised supportive care to ease symptoms and suffering for patients with serious illnesses. The goal of palliative care is to improve quality of life for patients and their families.
Advanced kidney failure occurs when the kidneys are not able to perform their functions of removing waste products, regulating body fluids and balancing the body’s chemicals.
Palliative care may be provided to patients undergoing various treatments, medications and other kidney therapies. It may also be provided to patients who do not wish to undergo certain treatments or are not eligible for it.
Palliative care does not mean stopping other treatments and care is decided based on the patient’s conditions, preferences and goals.
Symptoms of End-Stage Renal Disease
Symptoms vary from person to person. Some people experience many symptoms, and others experience just a few.
- Constant Aches and Pains
Patients experience cramps in the legs and other joints and can have pain in the abdomen and other locations as a result of other conditions. The cause of the pain needs to be evaluated prior to treatment.
- Tiredness and Weakness
Kidney disease can cause anemia, contribute to insomnia, and result in general malaise. These can affect one’s ability to perform daily activities.
- Edema
Fluid builds up in the lower extremities, face and other areas. Fluid retention can also lead to dyspnea and requires an urgent medical evaluation, especially if symptoms get worse suddenly.
- Nausea, Lack of Appetite, and Itching
Nausea and a loss of appetite can occur due to the buildup of toxins and other substances in the body, as well as from the side effects of medications.
- Emotional Stress and Disturbed Sleep
Depression and anxiety are common in patients and caregivers, especially as a result of the stress and uncertainties caused by a long-term illness.
A kidney specialist can help identify the cause of these symptoms and provide treatment to alleviate them.
Palliative Care for Kidney Pain
Pain from kidney disease can come from a number of places, and treatment should be personalized, taking into account the patient’s other medical conditions and the status of his/her kidney function.
Tailored Pain Relief
Taking into account the results of tests to assess kidney function, and reviews of patients’ other medications, allergies and relevant medical conditions, doctors will be in a position to recommend analgesic medicinal products.
Certain analgesic medicinal products are not appropriate for use in patients with advanced kidney disease, as they may worsen kidney function and/or cause complications for such patients. Therefore, patients should not self-medicate and should not take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicinal products.
Managing other Symptoms
Other symptoms may be treated with medicinal products to relieve nausea, itching or to improve sleep as appropriate. Fluid management, dietary counseling and treatment of anemia may also be included in the renal care plan.
Emotional and Family Support
Palliative care acknowledges that the illness of a family member affects the family as a whole. It may be helpful to plan palliative care at the same time as planning renal replacement therapy.
For patients looking for pain management in Thanisandra, it would be helpful to find a source that provides pain relief and takes into account the complications of kidney disease.
Renal Failure and Palliative Care
Renal failure is appropriately managed using a multidisciplinary approach, which includes conservative care (including palliative care) and renal replacement therapy (dialysis or renal transplantation).
Patients should discuss big decisions with their nephrologist. No decisions should be made regarding treatment without appropriate medical advice.
Who Might Benefit From Palliative Kidney Care?
Palliative care may be of benefit to patients who:
– Experience bothersome symptoms despite treatment of their chronic kidney disease.
– Experience any of the following: Pain, nausea, itching, fatigue or disturbance of sleep.
– Experience difficulties with the physical and emotional demands of undergoing dialysis.
– Experience difficulties in managing the symptoms of kidney failure.
– Need help in making decisions about choice of treatment regarding their chronic kidney disease.
– Require help with advance care planning to improve the quality of their life.
There are no restrictions as to when palliative care may be provided to a patient. It is there to assist in relieving the patient’s symptoms as and when required.
When Should Patients Seek Urgent Medical Attention?
Not all symptoms may require palliative care. Some conditions may require immediate medical care.
These may include:
– Severe or worsening pain.
– Dyspnea (respiratory distress).
– Chest pain.
– Seizure.
– Confusion.
– Vomiting.
– Oliguria or anuria.
– Fever.
Patients should also seek immediate medical help if they have any of the above symptoms and are on dialysis.
Patients should not assume that a new or worsening symptom is merely due to kidney failure. It may be due to an infection or another condition.
Renal Support at Regal Hospital, Bangalore
Regal Hospital has a nephrology department which offers services related to kidney disease, dialysis, kidney transplant and multidisciplinary services.
There is published information about the services which may assist patients and their families to understand about their illness and the various treatment options available to them.
Why Consider Regal Hospital?
- Kidney Care Services
At Regal Hospital, we offer various levels of support from initial consultation to treatment based on the patients’ diagnosis and requirements.
- Dialysis and Continuous Monitoring
We provide dialysis and related services for patients with chronic kidney disease, end stage kidney disease and other types of kidney failure.
- Multispecialty Facilities
We have tie-ups with several diagnostics and other allied specialties and provide our clinicians the ability to access other specialist facilities for a 360° assessment of the patient’s health.
- North Bangalore Location
Regal Hospital is situated on Chokkanahalli Hegdenagar Main Road, Tirumanahalli, Bengaluru and is easily accessible to patients in Thanisandra, Hennur, Yelahanka, Hebbal and other areas of North Bangalore.
- Personalized Medical Advice
Parents, caregivers and patients themselves are invited to discuss and voice out their concerns and wishes regarding treatment and supportive care with the concerned specialist.
At Regal Hospital, we offer palliative care services, and we can be contacted for more information.
How Can Families Support A Person With Advanced Kidney Failure?
The role of family members in providing care for a person with kidney failure is very crucial and indispensable.
Keep a chart of all the symptoms.
- Maintain a list of all the medicines and share it with your doctor.
- Follow the fluid and dietary restrictions prescribed.
- Assist the person in keeping all the appointments.
- Support the person emotionally and take care of your own emotional well-being.
- Understand when to take the person to the emergency.
These small consistent steps will assist the person in feeling emotionally secured and supported.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is palliative care for kidney failure?
Palliative care helps people with advanced kidney failure manage pain, other physical symptoms and emotional stress. It can be provided alongside dialysis or other treatments, depending on the patient’s needs.
- Does palliative care mean stopping dialysis?
No. Palliative care can complement dialysis and other medical treatments. Decisions about continuing, changing or stopping dialysis should be made with the treating nephrologist after discussing the benefits, risks and patient’s preferences.
- How is pain managed in advanced kidney disease?
Pain management may involve treating the underlying cause, carefully selected medicines and supportive measures. Because kidney impairment affects how some medicines are processed, treatment should be supervised by a qualified clinician.
- Where can I seek kidney care near Thanisandra?
Regal Hospital in Tirumanahalli, North Bangalore, provides nephrology and dialysis services. Contact the hospital to arrange an appropriate consultation and confirm the availability of dedicated palliative care services.
- When should a patient with kidney failure go to the hospital urgently?
Severe pain, difficulty breathing, chest pain, confusion, persistent vomiting, very low urine output or fever with possible infection symptoms require urgent medical assessment
Book Your Free Consultation Today
Call us today: +91 888 405 8888.
Visit us: Near Thanisandra-Yelahanka Road, Bengaluru
Learn more: www.regalhospital.com
This blog is for educational purposes only and should not replace medical advice from a qualified doctor. Please consult a specialist for diagnosis and treatment.
