Dialysis and its importanceThe main function of kidneys is to filter the blood by eliminating impurities and excess fluid from the body. Kidneys help in controlling the blood pressure and regulate the levels of chemical elements such as sodium and potassium in the blood. The waste fluid is sent to the bladder to be removed through urination. The two main causes which might lead to kidney failure and result in need of dialysis treatment are diabetes and high blood pressure. National Kidney Foundation stated that end-stage kidney failure occurs when the kidneys perform at only about 15% of their normal function.
Dialysis is a technique used when functions of kidneys are disturbed. A dialysis unit is set up which filters and purifies the blood. Dialysis helps keep fluids and electrolytes in balance when kidney failure occurs. Dialysis allows people suffering with kidney or renal failure some possibility to live productive lives. Dialysis not only extends some life of kidney patients but also gives some time to the patient to arrange a donor kidney for a kidney or renal transplant. Although, it has increased the life expectancy but there are also some side effects of dialysis.
Types of DialysisDialysis can be broadly classified into two types, hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.
Hemodialysis: For hemodialysis, an external machine (an artificial kidney or a hemodialyser) and a special type of filter is used to remove excess waste products and water from the blood. Hemodialysis treatment usually lasts for about three to five hours and is performed three times per week.
Peritoneal dialysis: Dialysate is a fluid which is poured into the patient's abdominal cavity which removes the waste products from the body. During peritoneal dialysis, a minor surgery is done to implant a peritoneal dialysis (PD) catheter into the abdomen. The function of the catheter is to help filter the blood through the peritoneum (a membrane in the abdomen). During treatment, a special fluid called dialysate enters into the peritoneum and absorbs the waste. Dialysate then draws the excessive fluid or waste out of the bloodstream and drains in the abdomen. This process takes a few hours and is required to be repeated four to six times per day.
Pros and cons of performing dialysis
Dialysis benefits
Life expectancy increases: People suffering with kidney failure can live a longer life with the help of dialysis. It was observed that life expectancy improves up to about 5-10 years in general. In a few cases, the life expectancy increased for about 20 years also.
Improved standard of living: Dialysis helps to keep the body function normally. It helps the body to easily perform its function and allows the patient to live a normal life. Many medical problems such as high blood pressure, infection, etc stay in control due to regular dialysis.
Dialysis is beneficial in removing wastes, toxins and extra fluid from blood: Removal of waste from the body keeps a person healthy. This is a major benefit of performing dialysis. It completely removes toxicity from the body and maintains the fluid and electrolytes in balance in the body.
Dialysis side effects:
The most common side effects and complications of dialysis include fatigue due to dietary restrictions during the procedure.
As the patient becomes comfortable in eating less during dialysis, lack of appetite is another side effect.
Low blood pressure is a result of a drop in fluid levels during dialysis which leads to nausea and dizziness.
Muscle cramps also occur due to fluid loss.
In some cases, hernia might occur. This is due to holding fluid inside the peritoneal cavity for long durations which puts some strain on the muscles of the abdomen.
Weight gain, blood clot, peritonitis (bacterial infection), sepsis, itchy skin, etc are few other side effects.