Our kidneys do an incredible job of filtering toxins and excessive fluids from our blood. They also control blood pressure and maintain mineral balance. When your kidneys aren’t filtering blood as they do, the waste can build up in your bloodstream, leading to unusual symptoms.
Underlying medical conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, long-term kidney infections, and persistent or unregulated use of medications, can affect the kidneys’ function. That’s when nephrologists at WIINS Hospitals in Kolhapur recommend dialysis.
What is Dialysis?
Think of the dialysis machine as an artificial kidney that removes toxins from your body when your own kidneys can’t. When your kidneys’ function has dropped significantly, medical treatment becomes necessary for a healthy life. Note that dialysis isn’t a cure for end-stage kidney disease. It only does the kidneys’ job.
Types of Dialysis
Hemodialysis: Hemodialysis is performed at a dialysis center in Kolhapur, around 3-4 times a week. In this procedure, the blood is removed from your body and filtered through the dialyzer. This blood goes back to your body.
Peritoneal Dialysis: Peritoneal dialysis can be performed at home. The procedure uses the peritoneum as the natural filter. A special fluid, called dialysate, is infused into your peritoneum through a thin catheter. This fluid stays in the abdomen until it absorbs all the toxins and excess fluid from your blood. The fluid, which now contains waste, is drained.
When is Dialysis Required?
Dialysis is needed when your kidneys have lost 80 to 90 percent of their function, and you’ve started experiencing symptoms due to fluid and toxin accumulation in your blood. These are the signs that your kidneys’ function is disrupted and medical treatment is needed:
- Fatigue and weakness
- Shortness of breath
- Swelling in the ankles, legs, or hands due to fluid accumulation
- Nausea or vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Confusion
A nephrologist runs tests, like creatinine and glomerular filtration rate (GFR), to check your kidneys’ function. Usually, dialysis is started when the creatinine levels cross 5.0 mg/dL, or the GFR falls below 15.
However, dialysis isn’t always recommended based on the numbers alone. Your doctor will consider your symptoms and test results to decide on an appropriate treatment. Dialysis can be a short-term treatment that works until the patient finds a new kidney, or patients might need it for their whole life.
Benefits and Limitations of Dialysis
Dialysis can be a life-saving option for patients with end-stage renal disease. Here’s how it benefits:
- Restores your normal appetite
- Prevents complications due to toxin buildup
- Boosts energy levels
- Minimizes swelling due to fluid buildup
- Supports overall health
Challenges
Dialysis comes with its share of challenges. Here are the most common ones:
- It’s time-consuming
- Patients might feel tired after sessions
- Risk of complications, like low blood pressure or infections
- Lifestyle adjustments
Conclusion
Both hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis are recommended when the patients’ kidneys don’t function effectively. To prevent toxin and fluid buildup in the body and ensure proper functioning of other vital organs, a nephrologist might recommend dialysis, at least until the patient is ready for a kidney transplant. The procedure helps you live a healthy and normal life.
