Dialysis is a life-saving treatment for people whose kidneys are not functioning normally. When the kidneys are not able to filter your blood efficiently and remove the toxins, then there are chances that your kidneys are dysfunctional.
What is Dialysis?
Dialysis is a medical process that removes the waste products and purifies your blood through artificial mechanisms.
If your kidneys are not functioning correctly due to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or chronic conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, lupus, etc, it may lead to kidney failure or permanent damage to your kidneys, which is a life-threatening situation.
The key functions performed by dialysis are
- Removes toxic wastes and fluids in your body that can later accumulate and cause problems.
- Keep the levels of electrolytes like potassium, sodium, and calcium balanced in your body.
- Helps to manage and regulate your blood pressure.
Types of Dialysis
There are two types of dialysis:
- Hemodialysis
It is a process that filters your blood using a machine dialyzer. It is a simple process in which the blood is taken out, filtered, and returned to the body. You need to visit the dialysis center in Delhi three times a week. This process is effective; however, it makes you tired due to the regular process.
- Peritoneal Dialysis
This type of dialysis process uses the abdominal lining to remove the toxins and filter your blood. In this process, a dialysis solution is added to the abdomen through a catheter. The solution removes the toxins, and this type of dialysis can be performed at home.
When do you need Dialysis
There are many reasons when dialysis is required. Initially, you may notice abnormal functioning of the kidneys, hypertension, and abnormal urine. However, the typical indications for dialysis are as follows:
- End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)
This is the primary indication that you need dialysis, which occurs when the kidneys are 80-90 percent damaged. This is a life-threatening situation, and dialysis is needed to perform the kidney functions to keep the body balanced.
- Excessive Fluid Retention
The kidney plays a significant role in removing excessive fluids from the body and flushing out the toxins. When the kidney function decreases, it leads to inflammation in the ankles, toes, legs, and sometimes lungs in severe conditions. When the excessive fluid is retained in the lungs, it is dangerous. Dialysis is required to remove the excessive fluid and filter the waste.
- Electrolyte Imbalances
Another essential function of the kidney is to balance electrolytes like potassium, sodium, and calcium. In case the kidneys are unable to function normally, there is an increase of these electrolytes to dangerous levels. High levels of potassium can lead to cardiovascular problems, and dialysis helps to balance the level of these electrolytes in the body.
- Uremia
The primary indicator for dialysis is an accumulation of waste products like urea in the blood, which occurs because of kidney failure. This condition is known as uremia and the symptoms include nausea, fatigue, vomiting, and shortness of breath. In severe cases, uremia leads to coma and permanent damage to the kidney and other organs. Dialysis helps to filter out the toxins and purify the blood which helps to balance out the body’s functions.
- Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
If you have been suffering from kidney malnutrition for a long time, the condition is known as Chronic kidney disease. The major indications for dialysis in CKD are severe and unmanageable fluid retention, GFR counts below 15mL/min, excessive weakness, shortness of breath, and inflammation of the ankle, legs, and face. Dialysis helps to manage kidney functions using external devices. In extreme conditions, the ultimate treatment option is a kidney transplant.
- Pericarditis
The situation where you notice swelling of the lining around the heart is called pericarditis. This condition mainly occurs when the kidney loses its ability normally, and there is excessive accumulation of waste products. Excessive inflammation causes chest pain and can lead to heart problems. Dialysis is performed to remove the accumulation of waste products and reduces inflammation.
- Anemia
When the kidney does not function properly, it produces less erythropoietin, which is responsible for producing red blood cells. Less production of RBCs causes anemia and dialysis helps to improve the function of kidneys and remove harmful chemicals that suppress the production of red blood cells.
Side Effects of Dialysis
The side effects and complications of dialysis are as follows:
- You may feel fatigued due to repetitive processes, which is common in hemodialysis.
- Low blood pressure due to removing the excess fluids.
- Muscle cramps due to repetitive procedures.
- Itching and skin irritation due to high levels of phosphorus.
- Infections due to using catheters and external devices are common in peritoneal dialysis.
The kidney plays an essential role in performing primary functions like purifying blood and removing harsh and toxic chemicals from your body. Kidney dysfunction can cause many other severe and life-threatening problems. Dialysis is a safe, painless option that helps to perform the kidney functions using an external artificial mechanism. Often, people are confused and overwhelmed in selecting the type of dialysis required, frequency of the treatment etc. In this case, check out the options for dialysis near me. UK Nursing Home provides consultations, end-to-end treatments, and effective dialysis services that help you to live a healthy life! Book your consultation today!
