Kidney Dialysis is for someone who is in end-stage kidney failure. Doctors generally advise to get dialysis done when you lose about 80-90% of your kidney functions. People who have damaged kidneys face tribulation eradicating waste or unwanted water from the blood. This process is carried out artificially through dialysis.
Here is the complete guide to kidney dialysis, its types, process, and the risks/side effects. Let’s move into the details.
Types of Kidney Dialysis
Dialysis works for removing excess fluids and waste products from your blood and patients with severe kidney conditions need it. The process is also known as Renal Replacement Therapy or RRT. It is further classified into three types.
- Hemodialysis
- Peritoneal Dialysis
- Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy (CRRT)
A certain fraction of the world is thought to have chronic kidney diseases. Dialysis helps minimize the risk by preventing the waste products in the blood from reaching a hazardous level. It also removes any toxins or drugs from your blood. Let’s study the three basic types of dialysis in detail.
Type 1: Hemodialysis
Hemodialysis is a process to replace a part of your kidney function. In this process, your blood passes through a filter outside your body, and then filtered blood is transferred to your body.
Hemodialysis helps in
- controlling blood pressure levels
- balancing principal minerals like sodium, potassium, and calcium in the blood
- filtering your blood to remove extra fluids or harmful substances
Hemodialysis is not a cure for kidney failure, but patients live longer and feel better. It requires patients to change their diet and control what they eat. It is usually done three or four hours a day, thrice a week.
Before starting Hemodialysis, you undergo minor surgery to connect an artery and vein in your arm. The doctor uses a graft to join them if they are too short. The Hemodialysis procedure starts after that.
According to several studies, Hemodialysis is possible both at a hospital or at home. Search for the dialysis center near me and find the best clinic to get the treatment done.
There are some side effects that patients experience after the process is complete. Let’s find out.
Risks Associated with Hemodialysis
- The blood pressure may go down during or right after the process.
- You can feel dizzy, nauseous, or faint.
Some other risks that entail are-
- Headache
- Chest or Back pain
- Muscle Cramps
- Itchy Skin
- Restless Legs Syndrome
Type 2: Peritoneal Dialysis
Peritoneal Dialysis is mainly associated with diffusion. In this process, a dialysis solution is used to filter the tiny blood vessels inside your peritoneum(abdominal lining). The solution is a liquid made of salt, water, and other additives to cleanse the blood.
Peritoneal Dialysis happens at home, and a soft, thin tube called a catheter is used for it.
The surgeon inserts a catheter into the peritoneum through your belly.
This catheter will stay in place permanently.
The healthcare provider at the hospital will teach you to perform the entire process at home. It helps to prevent any infections in the area around the catheter. Some patients prefer to perform the procedure at night. It is an automated process where the cycler pumps fluid into and out of the body.
Risks Associated with Peritoneal Dialysis
Some risks withhold with the Peritoneal Dialysis process. Here are the details-
- Patients develop skin infections around the catheter site.
- There is a risk of peritonitis infection due to the bacteria inside the abdomen.
- Patients can experience abdominal pain, fever, nausea, and vomiting.
- Over time your abdominal muscles weaken because of the catheter and the frequent pumping of belly fluid.
- You experience a bulge around the belly button or between your upper thigh and the abdomen.
- The dextrose substance is a sugar absorbed during peritoneal dialysis, leading to weight gain.
Type 3: Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy (CRRT)
Sometimes, you need continuous dialysis treatment to promote your kidney functioning. While Intermittent dialysis lasts up to six hours, continuous renal replacement therapies last at least 24 hours in an ICU. CRRT can either involve diffusion or filtration.
Patients can tolerate this process better as the removal of fluid works at a slower pace. It means there are lesser complications and a minimum chance of hypotension. There are, however, some risks that persist.
Risks associated with CRRT
- Aneurysms
- Thrombus Formation
- Hematomas
- Arterio-venous fistulas
- Hemothorax
- Pneumo-thorax
- Pericardial tamponadee
- Arrhythmias
- Air embolism
- Retroperitoneal Hemorrhage
Is there any alternative to Dialysis?
Conservative management is the alternative to Dialysis and is yet another best Kidney Treatment.
This process does not require a kidney transplant. In this, you need to work with your healthcare team to manage your symptoms. This method preserves your kidney function so you can live a quality life.
The main focus of this method is symptoms control. The decision to start Dialysis or not only depends on the patient. Your lifestyle and health will decide the rest of the months for you.
The Bottom Line
That’s all about it!! If your kidney failure is at stage 5, consult with your doctor and schedule an appointment immediately. Find the best kidney dialysis center near me and begin your treatments.