Underlying Conditions

• Renal failure may be caused by an underlying problem, such an injury or illness. The underlying cause needs to be treated before the problem can be resolved.
  
  

Modified Diet

• One treatment for renal failure is a modified diet that prevents the body from getting overloaded with toxins. This diet usually consists of limited fluids, low amounts of salt and protein and high amounts of carbohydrates.
  
  

Medications

• Medications such as glucose, sodium polystyrene sulfonate or calcium may be prescribed to prevent excessive accumulation of potassium in the blood.
  
  

Dialysis

• Dialysis may be needed to filter the blood. Dialysis removes excess fluids and toxins from the blood.
  
  

Kidney Transplant

• When treatments fail, a kidney transplant will be necessary. Kidneys may be acquired from living donors, such as siblings or other close relatives. Kidneys also may be acquired from organs donated after death.