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Dialysis is a medical treatment when the kidneys cannot filter waste products and extra fluid from the body. Kidney dialysis procedure involves using a machine to filter the blood, similar to how the kidneys usually function.
Why Do People Need Dialysis?
Dialysis is necessary when the kidneys cannot adequately filter the blood to remove waste products and extra fluids. This can occur due to various conditions that damage the kidneys, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, hematuria, glomerulonephritis, polycystic kidney disease, and other types of kidney damage.
When the kidneys are damaged, waste products such as urea and creatinine can build up in the blood, leading to a range of symptoms, including fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and confusion. Excess fluid can also accumulate in the body, leading to swelling in the legs, arms, and face.
Dialysis is a way to remove these waste products and excess fluids from the blood artificially, helping to alleviate the symptoms associated with kidney failure. Though it cannot reverse kidney loss, it can help patients with end-stage renal disease live longer and with a higher quality of life.
There are also some cases where dialysis may be used temporarily to support the kidneys while they recover from a short-term injury or illness. However, in most cases, dialysis is required on an ongoing basis for people with chronic kidney disease.
How Does the Dialysis Process Work?
A patient will be connected to a machine that filters the blood during hemodialysis. The procedure typically takes three to four hours and is performed thrice weekly. Before the procedure, a healthcare provider inserts a dialysis catheter into a vein or artery, which will circulate the blood through the machine. Depending on the patient’s specific needs, the catheter may be inserted in the arm, chest, or leg.
During the procedure, the patient will sit or lie down while the blood is circulated through the machine. The healthcare provider will monitor the patient’s vital signs and adjust the machine to ensure the blood is filtered correctly. The patient may experience some discomfort or a sensation of pressure as the blood is circulated through the machine.
Peritoneal dialysis is typically performed at home by the patient. Before the procedure, the patient will be trained on completing the process and caring for the catheter. The patient will inject a special fluid into their abdominal cavity through the catheter during the procedure. The fluid will remain in the abdomen for several hours, during which time it will filter out waste products and excess fluid. The fluid will then be drained from the abdomen and discarded.
Before and After Dialysis
During hemodialysis, patients may experience some side effects, including low blood pressure, nausea, headache, and muscle cramps. These side effects are typically mild and can be managed with medication or adjustments to the dialysis machine.
After dialysis, patients may feel tired or weak. It is essential to rest and drink plenty of fluids to help the body recover from the procedure. Patients should also follow any dietary restrictions or recommendations provided by their healthcare provider to help manage their condition and prevent further damage to the kidneys.
Comparing the Types of Dialysis
Hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis are two types of dialysis treatment. Hemodialysis is the more common type of dialysis performed in a dialysis centre or hospital. During hemodialysis, a patient’s blood is circulated through a machine that filters out waste products and excess fluid. The blood is then returned to the body through a vein or artery.
On the other hand, peritoneal dialysis is performed at home by the patient. During peritoneal dialysis, a special fluid is injected into the patient’s abdominal cavity through a catheter. The fluid is then allowed to remain in the abdomen for several hours, filtering out waste products and excess fluid. Finally, the fluid is emptied from the abdomen and disposed of.
