Dialysis

Kidneys are a very important part of the body as they filter the blood. They purify the blood by removing excess fluid and waste. In case the kidneys fail, a process known as dialysis is used. The dialysis procedure performs the same functions as that of the kidneys. But, what exactly is kidney failure? It happens when the performance of the kidneys takes place at only 10 to 15 percent of the usual function. This is actually the definition of the National Kidney Foundation regarding end-stage kidney failure. Furthermore, dialysis is a treatment that facilitates the purification and filtering of the blood of the body by the means of a machine. So, the balance of electrolytes and fluids in the body is maintained thanks to this process. This process has been in existence since the 1940s for the treatment of those suffering from kidney problems.

Introduction to Dialysis

Sometimes, people may have to deal with kidneys that have failed or have become damaged.  Consequently, such individuals would suffer to eliminate waste and useless water from the blood. Most noteworthy, dialysis procedure carries out this process in an artificial manner.

The performance of the natural work of the kidneys, whose failure has taken place, can happen with dialysis.  That is why experts also refer to it as renal replacement therapy (RRT). The various types of dialysis maintain the regulation of water and mineral level in blood.

However, a dialysis machine cannot fully replace the kidneys. This is because the secretion of certain products takes place by the kidneys.  Moreover, these products are required in metabolism, but this is not possible with dialysis.

A good candidate for this procedure is a person who suffers from a loss of 85 to 90 per cent of kidney function. Furthermore, for a healthy individual, filtering of about 120 to 150 quarts of blood takes place on a daily basis.

In case the kidneys don’t work correctly, the building of waste and useless water takes place in the blood. This is certainly dangerous as it can lead to death or coma.

The cause for kidney failure, which requires one of the types of dialysis, can be due to various factors. Furthermore, such factors are a kidney injury, short term kidney illness, acute kidney problem, or a chronic kidney condition.

The dialysis procedure does not let blood waste products reach dangerous levels. Furthermore, this procedure is useful in eliminating harmful drugs or toxins from the blood.

Kidney Failure Symptoms That Require Dialysis

Chronic kidney failure is a slow process that happens gradually. Furthermore, normal kidney function will be possible even if both kidneys work partially. Moreover, normal kidney functioning will be possible with even just one fully functioning kidney.

As such, it can take a long time for a negative kidney condition to appear. Moreover, there is variation in symptoms of kidney failure between individuals. Consequently, it is difficult to diagnose kidney failure in a quick manner.

A sudden injury can sometimes also be a cause of kidney failure. When this happens, the appearance and progression of symptoms are fast.

Below are the symptoms of kidney failure that require the services of a dialysis machine:

• Fatigue or tiredness
• Presence of blood in the urine
• Frequent need to urinate that keeps on increasing, especially during the nighttime
• Difficulty in breathing
• Nausea
• Itchiness in the skin
• Erectile dysfunction
• Water retention in the body causes swelling in the ankles, hands, and feet
• Presence of protein in the urine

Side Effects of Dialysis

Unfortunately, a dialysis procedure Is not without producing some side effects. Furthermore, people who depend on kidney dialysis may suffer from the following side effects:

• Cramps in muscles
• Itchiness in the skin that deteriorates before or following a procedure
• Low blood pressure, especially in those suffering from diabetes
• Sleep problems due to various factors- apnea, restless legs, itchiness
• Fluid overload
• Infections at the access site of the dialysis machine
• Fluctuations of mood and depression

What is Meant By hemodialysis?

There are two major types of dialysis that are in usage nowadays. Moreover, one of these types is hemodialysis.  In this procedure, a machine removes blood and filters it via a dialyzer

You can say that a dialyzer is like an artificial kidney. Furthermore, the machine returns the blood that is purified back to the body. This is a long 3- to the 5-hour procedure that must take place thrice a week either in a dialysis centre or in a hospital.

With proper setup, the procedure of hemodialysis can take place at home. Furthermore, a patient may require this treatment four to seven times per week in the home. Moreover, a person may indulge in hemodialysis during sleep at night.

During hemodialysis, the dialysis machine performs the following functions:

• Removal of blood from a needle that is in the arm.
• Blood circulation takes place via the dialyzer filter.
• The waste material is moved into a solution.
• purified blood is returned back to the body via a different needle.
• Monitoring and adjustment of the blood flow.

What is Meant By peritoneal dialysis?

Among the major types of dialysis is peritoneal dialysis. Furthermore, in this procedure, filtering blood takes place via the aid of a solution. Most noteworthy, this filtering takes place by the tiny blood vessels that exist inside the abdominal lining.

This procedure can take place either automatically by a machine or manually.

During peritoneal dialysis, you:

• Ensure the connection of the catheter to one branch of a Y-shaped tube. Furthermore, the connection of the tube is to a solution bag.
• After 10 minutes, disconnect the tube and catheter. During this time, the bag is empty.
• Waste is absorbed by the solution that is inside the peritoneal cavity while the patient carries on with the usual day. Furthermore, the duration of this process is from 1 hour to 1 and a half hours.
• Afterwards,  use the other branch to drain the fluid into an empty bag.
• These steps must be repeated four times a day.

FAQs For Dialysis

Question 1: When should you call a doctor for the purpose of dialysis?

Answer 1: You should call a doctor for the purpose of dialysis if you experience:

• Discomfort in urinating
• Oozing or redness at the dialysis machine site
• Severe abdominal pain
• Fever
• Low blood pressure
• Nausea
• vomiting
• Hernia

Question 2: How should a patient prepare for dialysis?

Answer 2: The patient should wear comfortable clothing prior to the procedure. Furthermore, the doctor may require the patient to fast prior to the procedure. Also, follow any other instructions of the doctor.

Question 3: Are there any alternatives to dialysis treatment?

Answer 3: One of these options that is an alternative to dialysis treatment is anaemia management. Here, a patient receives a hormone erythropoietin (EPO) injection every week. Another alternative is the continuous maintenance of good blood pressure; it slows kidney damage.

Finally, a kidney transplant is an option for those who can afford it physically and financially.