From removing excess fluid from the body to getting rid of waste, kidneys perform a range of important functions. When an individual’s kidneys are severely damaged due to some injury or disease, the kidneys fail to perform their basic functions. As an outcome, all the toxins and wastes keep building up in the bloodstream. When salts and waste products keep accumulating in the blood, multiple organs can be damaged. This is among the best treatments that can help a person with damaged kidneys lead a normal life for several years. So, what is dialysis and how does it work?
How effective is it and how do you know you are the right candidate for it? This article will answer all your questions.
Two Types of Dialysis
Dialysis is of the following two types:
- Peritoneal dialysis
- Hemodialysis
In extreme situations, CRRT (continuous renal replacement therapy) is yet another option.
Hemodialysis: An Overview
Hemodialysis involves using a dialysis machine to take blood out of the patient’s body, filtering it through an artificial kidney (dialyzer), and returning the cleaned blood to the body. It is a painless process that continues for 3-5 hours. The process can take place in a dialysis center, the patient’s home, or a hospital thrice per week. Hemodialysis can even be done at night while you are sleeping.
Peritoneal dialysis: An Overview
Peritoneal dialysis can significantly improve kidney function and there are multiple ways of doing this treatment:
- Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis, abbreviated as CAPD, is a manual procedure
- Automated peritoneal dialysis involves the usage of a machine known as a cycler.
To prepare you for peritoneal dialysis, a minor surgery will be done around three weeks prior to the treatment. Your surgeon will insert a catheter through the belly and into your peritoneum. The catheter is a thin tube, and it stays permanently. Your doctor will show you how to perform the procedure at home without infecting the catheter site.
Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy
If a patient’s condition is too critical after kidney failure, doctors perform continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). It is also referred to as hemofiltration.
During the procedure, a machine helps in passing the blood through a tubing system. Then a filter eliminates water and waste products and the blood is returned to the body by the machine.
Do You Need Dialysis?
Doctors recommend dialysis to someone who had chronic kidney disease or a patient suffering from ESRD (end-stage renal disease).
Dialysis Process Risks
After hemodialysis, some people experience certain symptoms like pain in the abdomen, itchy skin, restless leg syndrome, headaches, back pain, chest pain, muscle cramps, dizziness, low BP, difficulty sleeping, and nausea. These symptoms are temporary, and they subside after 2-3 days.
Some rare risks:
- anemia
- cardiac arrest
- hypotension (low BP)
- bloodstream infection known as bacteremia
- hyperkalemia (high levels of potassium)
- sepsis
With peritoneal dialysis, the biggest risk is that it can increase the chances of infections around/ in the catheter site. This condition is called peritonitis.
Some other risks are:
- weakening of the abdominal muscles
- stomach pain
- vomiting or nausea
- fever
- high blood sugar (due to presence of dextrose in the dialysate)
- hernia
- weight gain (as the dialysate contains dextrose)
- fever
How Much Does Dialysis Cost?
This is an expensive treatment, and the cost depends on various factors like the city where you live, the dialysis center that you choose, and the experience of the doctor who will treat you. To know the exact amount you have to pay, ask the treatment center to give an estimated quote. Also, if you have health insurance, it can be covered by your insurance.
Life Expectancy
Before opting for treatment, every patient wants to know how long they can live. The life expectancy varies based on the individual’s overall health, their lifestyle choices, and how well the treatment plan is being followed. 5-10 years is the average life expectancy. Many people have even lived 20 to 30 years.
Will Your Life Change When on Dialysis?
Individuals on dialysis can focus on their careers, exercise regularly, raise families, and travel. You just have to make sure that when you are on a trip, you visit a dialysis center in that location.
Parting Thoughts
So, This has emerged as a lifesaving treatment for patients with end-stage renal disease or kidney failure. You may require dialysis permanently or for a temporary period until the kidney transplant is successful. While some people get it done at home, others prefer to visit a dialysis center.
As there are different types of dialysis, your doctor will tell you about the best option for you depending on your medical records and the condition of your kidneys. Talk to your healthcare provider to know in detail how you should look after yourself to expand your lifespan when you are on dialysis.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What are the different types of dialysis?
Peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis are the two kinds of dialysis. Then there’s also continuous renal replacement therapy.
Q. What are the benefits of dialysis treatment?
Dialysis performs those duties that your kidneys are supposed to do. So, the benefits of kidney dialysis are that extra fluid and waste are removed from the body and the blood remains clean.
