Dialysis

Dialysis is a medical treatment that mimics the function of healthy kidneys by filtering waste, excess fluid, and toxins from the blood. It is essential for people with acute kidney failure or chronic kidney disease (CKD) whose kidneys are no longer able to perform these functions effectively. Dialysis helps maintain the body’s balance of fluids, electrolytes, and waste products, ensuring that patients with kidney failure can live healthier lives.

When is Dialysis Needed?
Dialysis becomes necessary when kidney function falls below 15% of normal capacity, a condition known as end-stage renal disease (ESRD). In some cases, dialysis may also be used temporarily for acute kidney failure when the kidneys suddenly stop working. Symptoms that may indicate the need for dialysis include:

• Severe swelling (edema) due to fluid buildup
• Shortness of breath caused by fluid accumulation in the lungs
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fatigue and weakness due to high levels of waste in the blood
• Uncontrolled high blood pressure
• Confusion or trouble concentrating

Types of Dialysis
There are two primary types of dialysis: Hemodialysis and Peritoneal Dialysis.

• Hemodialysis
  In hemodialysis, blood is filtered outside the body through a machine called a dialyzer. The process involves:

  • Inserting needles into a vascular access point (usually in the arm), which connects the patient to the dialysis machine.
  • Blood is drawn from the body, filtered through the dialyzer, and returned to the body after removing waste and excess fluids.
  • Hemodialysis is usually performed at a dialysis center or hospital and typically requires sessions 3-4 times a week, with each session lasting about 4 hours.

• Peritoneal Dialysis
  In peritoneal dialysis, the filtering process happens inside the body, using the peritoneum (a membrane lining the abdomen) as a natural filter. The process involves:

  • A special fluid, called dialysate, is introduced into the abdominal cavity through a catheter.
  • The fluid absorbs waste products and excess fluids from the blood through the peritoneum.
  • After a few hours, the fluid is drained and replaced with fresh dialysate.
  • Peritoneal dialysis can be done at home, and patients can choose between continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD), where the fluid is exchanged manually several times a day, or automated peritoneal dialysis (APD), which is done overnight using a machine.

Benefits of Dialysis
While dialysis cannot cure kidney disease, it significantly improves quality of life by:

• Removing toxins and excess fluid from the body, preventing dangerous buildup.
• Balancing electrolytes like potassium, sodium, and calcium, which are critical for heart and muscle function.
• Controlling blood pressure by managing fluid levels in the body.
• Improving overall energy levels and reducing symptoms like nausea and swelling.

Life on Dialysis
Many patients on dialysis continue to lead active lives. Adjustments may be needed to accommodate dialysis schedules, but with proper care, many individuals can work, travel, and participate in daily activities. Diet and fluid intake are important aspects of life on dialysis. Patients will need to follow a kidney-friendly diet, which is low in sodium, potassium, and phosphorus, and monitor how much fluid they drink.