The Ultimate Guide to Understanding Dialysis and its Benefits
If you or your loved one have been diagnosed with kidney failure, one treatment option that your healthcare professional may recommend is dialysis. Dialysis is an artificial means of removing waste products and excess fluid from the blood, which should normally be removed by the kidneys. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the different types of dialysis and their benefits.
What is Dialysis?
Dialysis is a medical procedure that is used to perform the functions of the kidneys when they are no longer able to do so. There are two main types of dialysis, haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.
Haemodialysis
Haemodialysis is the most common form of dialysis, which involves the use of a machine that filters the blood. During the procedure, the patient’s blood is drawn out of their body and through an artificial kidney (dialyzer), which removes waste and extra fluid. The purified blood is then pumped back into the patient’s body.
Peritoneal Dialysis
Peritoneal dialysis is another type of dialysis, which removes waste and excess fluid from the blood by using the patient’s own abdomen as a filter. This is done by inserting a catheter into the abdomen and then filling and draining the peritoneal cavity with a sterile solution. The solution pulls excess fluid and waste from the blood, which is then disposed of.
Benefits of Dialysis
Dialysis is a life-saving treatment for people with kidney failure. Some of the benefits of dialysis include:
1. Improved Quality of Life
Dialysis can help to remove waste products and excess fluids from the bloodstream, resulting in a significant improvement in symptoms such as fatigue, nausea, and swelling.
2. Prolongs Life Expectancy
Dialysis has been shown to extend the life expectancy of people with kidney failure, especially if they follow a healthy lifestyle and take their medication as prescribed.
3. More Flexibility
While haemodialysis typically requires treatment to be performed at a dialysis centre, peritoneal dialysis can generally be performed at home. This can offer more flexibility and independence for people undergoing dialysis.
4. Improved Nutritional Status
Dialysis can remove accumulated toxins and waste products from the bloodstream, which can help to improve the nutritional status of people with kidney failure.
5. May Avoid Kidney Transplant
For some people, dialysis can be a long-term solution that allows them to avoid the need for a kidney transplant.
Conclusion
Dialysis is a life-saving treatment option for people with kidney failure. There are two main types of dialysis, haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis, both of which have their own benefits. If you are living with end-stage renal disease, speak with your healthcare provider to learn more about whether dialysis is right for you.
FAQs
1. How does dialysis work?
Dialysis is a medical procedure that removes waste products and excess fluids from the bloodstream. This is done either by using a machine to filter the blood (haemodialysis) or by filling the abdomen with a sterile solution and allowing it to remove excess fluids and waste (peritoneal dialysis).
2. What are the benefits of dialysis?
The benefits of dialysis include improved quality of life, prolonged life expectancy, improved nutritional status, and more flexibility.
3. Can dialysis be performed at home?
Peritoneal dialysis can generally be performed at home, providing more flexibility and independence for people who need dialysis.
4. What factors should I consider when deciding on dialysis?
Your healthcare provider will help you decide whether dialysis is the right treatment option for you. Factors to consider include your age, your overall health, the stage of your kidney disease, and your lifestyle factors such as work and family.
5. Is dialysis painful?
Dialysis is generally not painful, although you may feel a slight discomfort where the needle is inserted. Your healthcare provider will work with you to ensure that you are as comfortable as possible during the procedure.
