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Understanding Dialysis: A Beginner's Guide to Kidney Failure Treatment

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with kidney failure, your doctor may have mentioned dialysis as a treatment option. Dialysis is a life-saving procedure that takes over the functions of your kidneys when they are no longer able to do their job. In this article, we'll explain what dialysis is, who needs it, and the different types of dialysis available.

What Are Kidneys and What Do They Do?

Your kidneys are two bean-shaped organs located just below your rib cage, on each side of your spine. They play a crucial role in maintaining your overall health by:

  • Removing waste and excess fluid from your body

  • Regulating your blood pressure

  • Keeping your bones strong

  • Ensuring the right balance of minerals, such as potassium and sodium, in your blood

  • Producing a hormone that stimulates red blood cell production

Who Needs Dialysis?

When your kidneys are no longer able to perform their functions adequately, you may need dialysis or a kidney transplant to survive. This condition is known as kidney failure or end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Kidney failure can be caused by various factors, including:

  • Injuries

  • Chronic health conditions like lupus, high blood pressure, or diabetes

  • Unknown reasons

Your doctor will recommend starting dialysis when you have symptoms of kidney failure, such as nausea, fatigue, and swelling, or when your lab tests show dangerous levels of waste in your blood.

Types of Dialysis

There are two main types of dialysis: hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.

Hemodialysis

In hemodialysis, a machine filters your blood outside your body, cleaning it before returning it to your body. This process typically takes place at a dialysis facility or hospital, but it can also be done at home. Before starting hemodialysis, you'll need a minor surgery to create direct access to your bloodstream through a fistula, graft, or catheter.

Peritoneal Dialysis

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) uses the lining of your abdomen (peritoneum) to filter your blood. A special fluid called dialysis solution is introduced into your abdominal cavity through a catheter, absorbing waste and excess fluid from your blood. After a few hours, the solution is drained from your body. PD is typically done at home, either manually (continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis) or with the help of a machine (automated peritoneal dialysis).

Potential Side Effects of Dialysis

While dialysis shouldn't be painful, you may experience some side effects, such as:

  • Itchy skin

  • Low blood pressure

  • Sleep problems

  • Fluid overload

  • Infections

  • Depression or mood swings

  • Nausea and vomiting

  • Muscle cramps

  • Fatigue

To stay healthy on dialysis, it's essential to monitor your access site for signs of infection, keep your catheter clean and dry, and ensure that anyone assisting with your treatment follows proper hand hygiene.

Deciding to Stop Dialysis

Dialysis is a life-sustaining treatment that can improve your quality of life, but it's not for everyone. Some people, particularly those who are elderly or have other severe medical conditions, may choose not to start or to stop dialysis. If you're considering stopping dialysis, discuss alternative treatments and lifestyle changes with your doctor that may help manage your symptoms and improve your well-being.

Key Takeaways

  • Dialysis is a treatment that takes over kidney functions when they fail.

  • Kidney failure can be caused by injuries, chronic health conditions, or unknown reasons.

  • There are two main types of dialysis: hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.

  • Dialysis can cause side effects, ranging from minor to severe.

  • Some people may choose not to start or to stop dialysis based on their individual circumstances.

For more information on dialysis and kidney failure, consult the following reputable sources:

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