Kidneys carry out the vital functions of filtering waste and removing the excess fluids from the body. When kidneys malfunction, it can lead to severe and often life-threatening conditions—complete kidney Failure Treatment. Before we understand what dialysis is and how it works, let us determine the causes of kidney failure.
The major causes of kidney disease are:
Undoubtedly, diabetes is the number one cause of kidney disease across the globe. High blood pressure or hypertension is the second fundamental cause of diabetes. When blood flow to the kidney is affected, it can result in kidney failure. Some health conditions that may cause kidney failure are a heart attack, heart-related diseases, liver scarring, dehydration, burn injuries, allergic disorders, and even infections such as sepsis. Kidney failure can also be caused by genetic conditions such as PKD or Polycystic Kidney Disease and autoimmune diseases.
It is essential to understand that kidney disease is not contagious. However, you can be a more significant risk of suffering from kidney failure if diabetes and blood pressure run in the family. You must get checked regularly to ensure that your blood sugar and blood pressure is regular.
Other conditions that can affect the normal functioning of kidneys include:
A blood clot in or near the kidneys
- Excess toxins from heavy metals
- Consumption of drugs or alcoholic drinks in large quantities or over a long period
- Lupus, an inflammation-causing autoimmune disease
- Glomerulonephritis causes swelling in the small blood vessels of the kidneys.
- Scleroderma, a condition that affects the skin
- Chemotherapy drugs, dyes, and some types of antibiotics
- Dyes used in some imaging tests
It is a medical procedure that acts as a substitute for kidneys and performs critical functions. Individuals with kidney problems can undergo dialysis to live productive lives.
Patients with failed kidneys usually require dialysis when the level of waste products in their body increases to such an extent that they feel sick and their movements get restricted. The doctors and the pathologists measure various types' blood chemical levels to help decide the dialysis time. Creatinine and Blood Urea Nitrogen is the critical chemical level usually measured in patients. A rise in the story of these two factors indicates malfunctioning kidneys.
Other indicators are also generally used by the doctors to decide about dialysis and the time. Suppose the patient cannot get rid of excess water and is displaying symptoms of kidney failure such as weak sensation in legs and inability to taste the food. In that case, it could be an indicator that they should be put on dialysis even if the Creatinine level has not fallen below the average reading.
There are two types of dialysis procedures available:
Hemodialysis (HD): HD uses a filter called a dialyzer that’s placed outside the body. During the dialysis process, blood flows to the filter from the body. The filter removes the waste and fluid and pumps back the purified blood back into the body. HD can be done in a dialysis center or the home.
Peritoneal dialysis (PD): PD works by using the peritoneal membrane lined within the abdominal cavity. Its function is to filter fluid and waste from the blood naturally.
The Experience
Dialysis is a relatively painless and straightforward process. Some patients may experience discomfort while being connected to the machine in HD or after PD’s drain cycle. This problem can be brought to the medical team’s attention, so they help minimize the discomfiture.
It may take some time — a few weeks at least — to adjust to life on dialysis. Once the routine is established, you will feel better, both physically and emotionally.
