Kidney failure is a serious medical condition that can lead to death if left untreated.
To understand what this is and how it works, it is first important to understand the function of the kidneys and how dialysis affects it.
The Function of Kidneys
The kidneys filter waste from the blood and remove it through urine. When the kidneys are no longer able to do this effectively, waste and excess fluid can build up in the blood. This can be dangerous and even life-threatening due to the toxicity of the waste.
Dialysis is a treatment that helps filter these wastes and excess fluids from the blood when the kidneys can no longer do so effectively. It is not a cure for kidney failure, but it can help extend a person’s life.
Dialysis
Dialysis is a treatment for kidney failure that filters the blood using a machine. This process can remove excess fluids and waste products from the blood, which helps to keep the patient alive.
There are two types of dialysis: hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. Both types use a machine to filter the blood, but they differ in how the blood is accessed and where the filtering takes place.
Hemodialysis Dialysis
In hemodialysis, a machine is used to filter the blood of a patient with kidney failure. The blood is pumped through tubes to the dialysis machine, where it is filtered and then returned to the patient.
Hemodialysis requires special training and can only be done in a hospital or dialysis center. This type of dialysis is typically done three times a week for four hours at a time.
Peritoneal Dialysis
In peritoneal dialysis, the patient’s blood is filtered through the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum). A catheter is inserted into the abdomen and fluid is pumped into the peritoneal cavity. The fluid helps to remove waste and excess fluids from the blood.
Peritoneal dialysis can be done at home and does not require special training. This type of dialysis is typically done daily for 30 minutes to two hours.
Indications for Dialysis
There are several indications that a patient may need dialysis, which include:
- Kidney failure
- Fluid overload
- Electrolyte imbalance
- Acute kidney injury
- Chronic kidney disease
- End-stage renal disease
If you have any of these conditions, your doctor will likely recommend dialysis.
Take Action
If you have kidney failure, it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible. Dialysis can help extend your life and improve your quality of life. Talk to your doctor about whether dialysis is right for you.
If you do not take urgent action, kidney failure can lead to death. Therefore, it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible if you think you may have this condition.