Kidney dialysis is a medical treatment that helps clean the blood when the kidneys cannot do their job. Healthy kidneys usually remove waste, excess water, and harmful chemicals from the body. But when kidneys are damaged or not working properly, these substances can build up, causing severe health problems. Dialysis acts as an artificial kidney. It filters the blood to remove waste products and excess fluids, keeping the body balanced. There are two main types of dialysis: hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.
In hemodialysis, a machine pumps blood out of the body, cleans it, and returns it. This usually occurs in a hospital or clinic and is done thrice a week.
On the other hand, peritoneal dialysis uses the lining of the abdomen (called the peritoneum) as a filter. A special fluid is put into the belly, absorbing waste from the blood before being drained. This can be done at home, making it more convenient for some people.
Although dialysis can help manage kidney failure, it is not a cure. Many people who need dialysis also consider a kidney transplant. Dialysis treatments must be done regularly to keep patients healthy.
Kidney failure often develops gradually, and symptoms may not appear until significant damage occurs. Common signs and symptoms include:
Kidney failure requiring dialysis can result from several conditions, including:
If you have any of the following, it's important to contact a healthcare provider:
Early detection and management of kidney issues can prevent further complications.
Diagnosing kidney failure involves:
Do's:
Don'ts:
NOTE:
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