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A Handy Guide to Dialysis – Everything You Need to Know

Kidneys are an important part of the body's urinary system as they filter the blood by removing waste, toxins, and excess fluid. But if kidneys fail to perform their job for any reason, dialysis is used to manage the situation.

What is Dialysis?

Dialysis is a procedure that mimics a kidney’s function using a machine and helps to maintain a safe level of minerals (potassium, sodium, and bicarbonate) in your body. It also helps filter the blood by removing toxins, waste products and excess fluid. Usually, it is used for the treatment of end-stage renal disease. Several dialysis symptoms that you can watch out for include nausea, vomiting, swelling, and fatigue. Consult a doctor immediately if you spot these.

Types of Dialysis

1. Haemodialysis:

Whether done at a facility or at home, this requires a dialysis machine that uses a special artificial kidney or a dialyzer to filter the blood outside your body following which the cleaned blood is returned to the body.

2. Peritoneal dialysis:

This involves the lining of the abdomen to filter blood inside the body and the whole process is carried out through a catheter placed in your belly. This can be done at any clean place – whether home or at work. Generally, you may need three to five exchanges throughout the day. There are two types of peritoneal dialysis:

• Continuous cycling peritoneal dialysis (CCPD):

Also known as automated peritoneal dialysis, this method involves a machine called automated cycler that helps perform multiple exchanges at night while you sleep. This method allows more free time and improved quality of life.

• Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD):

This procedure does not involve any machine. You do the exchanges manually three to five times a day. During CAPD, dialysis happens continuously.

Side Effects of Haemodialysis

• Low blood pressure:

This happens due to temporary deficiency in fluid level during treatment which can further cause nausea, blurry vision, and dizziness. Follow daily recommended fluid intake.

• Muscle cramps:

If too much fluid is excreted during haemodialysis, you may experience muscle cramps, especially in the shin bone. If it becomes painful, consult your dialysis care team.

• Sepsis:

Haemodialysis can make you more prone to sepsis. The warning signs of sepsis that one must look out for are dizziness and high temperature and if noticed, then immediately consult your doctor.

• Itchy skin:

During haemodialysis sessions, waste can build up in the body, causing itchy skin. Your dialysis expert may recommend some moisturising cream.

Other side effects:

Other side effects or risks may include anxiety issues, dry mouth, difficulties in falling asleep, heart conditions, and cardiac arrest. Also, the main reason behind most of these side effects is a chemical imbalance in the body.

Side Effects of Peritoneal Dialysis

• Weight Gain:

you are likely to gain weight as the dialysate solution used during peritoneal dialysis contains sugar molecules which are absorbed by the body. Therefore, regulate your calorie intake

• Hernia:

Since the body holds the fluid inside the peritoneal cavity for many hours, it strains the abdominal wall, causing lumps in your abdomen.

• Peritonitis:

While inserting a catheter inside the abdomen, bacteria may enter too that can cause peritonitis infection. It usually happens when the dialysis equipment is not clean and key symptoms of this are abdominal pain, a high temperature, nausea, and bloating.

• High blood sugar:

The dialysate used during peritoneal dialysis contains sugar, which may increase the blood sugar level, leading to diabetes.

Other side effects:

Besides the above-mentioned side effects, you may experience stress and anxiety issues that may later lead to depression.

Conclusion

Dialysis comes with its fair share of benefits and risks. So, it is important to understand each process, weigh the pros and cons, and then take a decision. Consult your doctor for more guidance and learn how you can cope with the side effects of the procedure.

Sources: webmd, healthline, medicalnewstoday

Disclaimer: This blog provides general information and discussions about health and related subjects. The information and other content provided in this blog, website or in any linked materials are not intended and should not be considered, or used as a substitute for, medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Kindly contact your Doctor before starting a new medicine or health regime.

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Published on August 22, 2022