seoadmin The treatment of kidney dialysis mimics some of the functions of a healthy kidney. This treatment is generally needed when your kidneys fail to cater to your body’s needs.
It is known as Renal Replacement Therapy (RRT), which substitutes the natural function of the kidneys. A significant amount of kidney damage is likely to necessitate dialysis.
What is Dialysis?
Kidneys are responsible for filtering your blood and removing waste and excess fluids present in your body. Waste in the bladder is then eliminated through urination. Dialysis is used when a person’s kidneys are damaged or fail. The end stage of kidney failure is reached when only 10 to 15 percent of the kidney is functional.
Dialysis is a treatment that uses a machine to filter and purify the blood in the person’s body. This treatment helps keep the fluids and electrolytes balanced when kidneys fail to do their job. This treatment has been in practice for several decades to treat people with kidney problems.
Types of Dialysis
A person can undergo three dialysis types depending on their medical condition.
Hemodialysis
During this procedure, two needles are inserted into the patient’s arm through the access site and taped in place to remain secure. Both these needles are then attached to a flexible tube that is connected to a dialyzer.
This tube helps filter the patient’s blood, a few ounces at a time, and the extra wastes and fluids are allowed to pass from your body into the dialysate, a cleansing fluid. After this, the filtered blood returns to the body through the second tube.
At last, your blood pressure is monitored to adjust the speed of the blood flowing in and out of your body.
Peritoneal Dialysis
This treatment requires the implantation of peritoneal dialysis (PD) catheter into the abdomen. With the help of PD, small blood vessels inside the abdominal lining filter the blood through the assistance of dialysis solution.
PD takes place in your abdomen with the help of two methods: Automated peritoneal dialysis, which uses a machine called a cycler, and Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD) is carried out manually.
Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy (CRRT)
For people who are suffering from acute kidney failures, this treatment is used for them primarily in the extensive care unit. It is also known as hemofiltration.
In this therapy, a machine passes the blood through the tubing, and the filter removes extra water and waste products from the body. This procedure takes 12 to 24 hours a day, generally daily.
Any Complications after these Treatments?
These treatments can save your life, but they have certain risks associated with them, as each procedure can have side effects depending upon the patient’s other medical conditions. Otherwise, they are safe. The risks involved are:
Risks Associated with Hemodialysis
- low blood pressure
- anemia, or not having enough red blood cells
- muscle cramping
- difficulty sleeping
- itching
- high blood potassium levels
- pericarditis: inflammation of the membrane around the heart
- sepsis
- bacteremia, or a bloodstream infection
- irregular heartbeat
- sudden cardiac death, the leading cause of death in people undergoing dialysis
Risks Associated with Peritoneal Dialysis
- abdominal muscle weakening
- high blood sugar due to the dextrose in the dialysate
- weight gain
- hernia
- fever
- stomach pain
Risks Associated with CRRT
- infection
- hypothermia
- low blood pressure
- electrolyte disturbances
- bleeding
- delayed renal recovery
- weakening of bones
- Anaphylaxis
If you continue to have such symptoms while on dialysis, you need to consult your healthcare provider who is managing your treatment.
Patiala Heart Institute: Best Hospital in Patiala
If you are seeking the best medical assistance for your dialysis treatment, then Patiala Heart Institute is your best option. We have well-qualified doctors with years of experience who can carry out dialysis treatment with the utmost professional care.
What is the most common cause of death in dialysis patients?
Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is the single most common cause of death in dialysis patients, accounting for 20% to 30% of all deaths in the dialysis population. Also, people receiving hemodialysis are at increased risk of developing sepsis (blood poisoning). This is where bacteria enter the body and spread through the blood, potentially leading to multiple organ failure. These two are one of the major causes of death in dialysis patients.
What is the critical disadvantage of dialysis?
Patients wanting to travel to a different country must locate clinics or hospitals where they can undergo dialysis while away. Additionally, those choosing hemodialysis specifically may face dietary and fluid intake restrictions.
Another disadvantage is that dialysis treatment can take up to three hours, which can be inconvenient for people with busy schedules. Also, it requires patients to stay at home for three to five days while they undergo treatment.
What are the acute and chronic complications of dialysis?
The acute complications of dialysis include infection, bleeding, dehydration, and thromboembolism (obstruction of a blood vessel by a blood clot that has become dislodged from another site in the circulation). Chronic complications are related to the long-term effects of the treatment. Some of the chronic complications include anemia and secondary hyperparathyroidism (an abnormally high concentration of parathyroid hormone in the blood). These conditions can cause fatigue, weakness, muscle cramps, and heart failure.
Can dialysis be done once a month?
The answer is yes if you have a kidney transplant. Dialysis is the process of filtering waste, excess water, and other harmful substances from the blood. This process can be done monthly if a person has a kidney transplant.
Can the frequency of dialysis be reduced?
Dialysis is a method for cleaning the blood from the body. It can be done as required & prescribed by a doctor after examining a patient's condition. So, you must consult your doctor about this.
