Abstract

The definitive treatment of chronic renal failure involves regular dialysis followed where possible by renal transplantation. Some physicians embark on dialysis or transplantation before symptoms develop; others prefer to wait until symptoms cannot be controlled by diet alone. Common early symptoms of chronic renal failure include lassitude, fatigue, nausea and vomiting. It is worth starting with a diet as soon as such symptoms develop in a patient for whom dialysis or transplantation is unsuitable or unavailable.