Dialysis

Kidney Dialysis Treatment in Koramangala, Bangalore

The kidneys are a pair of organs that filter the toxins out from your blood. Sometimes, these organs may fail, disrupting this function. Dialysis is an external procedure that performs the function of your kidneys and helps purify your blood.

What do we need to know about dialysis?

Dialysis is a procedure that involves the use of an external machine to perform the functions of your kidneys. Your blood is extracted and sent to this machine, where it is filtered and purified. The purified blood is sent back to your body. 

What are the types of dialysis?

There are three types of dialysis, namely hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis and continuous renal replacement therapy. 

• Hemodialysis: This type is the most common dialysis procedure. Here, an artificial kidney, known as a hemodialyzer, is used to filter and purify your blood. Your blood is extracted, filtered and then sent back to your body. To create a pathway between your bloodstream and the artificial kidney, your doctor will create vascular access to your blood vessels.
• Peritoneal dialysis: In this type, your doctor will implant a peritoneal dialysis catheter into your stomach. The PD catheter helps in purifying your blood via the peritoneum in your abdomen.
• Continuous renal replacement therapy: This procedure is usually used only when kidney failure is critical. Also known as hemofiltration, this procedure involves the use of a machine to filter out the waste from outside the body. The blood is sent back to your body after purification.

What are the symptoms of kidney failure?

The common symptoms of kidney failure include:

• Less urine during urination
• Swollen legs, ankles and feet, usually a result of retention of fluids caused by kidney failure
• Sudden and unexplained shortness of breath
• Drowsiness and fatigue
• Nausea and vomiting
• Seizures and coma
• Pain in your chest
• Confusion

What are the causes of kidney failure?

Kidney failure can be caused by various factors like:

• Loss of blood flow to the kidney: If the blood supply to the kidney is suddenly cut off, it may lead to kidney failure. Loss of blood flow can be commonly triggered by a heart attack, heart disease, liver scarring, dehydration and an allergic reaction.
• Urination problems: Sometimes, your body cannot excrete liquid waste due to the buildup of toxins in your kidneys. Sometimes, tumors may block urine from being passed. Common conditions that block urine are prostate cancer, cervical cancer, kidney stones, blood clots and nerve damage.

When do you need to see a doctor?

If you notice any of the symptoms mentioned above, do not hesitate to consult a doctor. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve the chances of a successful outcome.

You can request an appointment at Apollo Spectra Hospitals, Koramangala, Bangalore.

Call 1860 500 2244 to book an appointment.

How can kidney failure be treated?

There are several methods in which your kidney failure can be treated. Some of these treatments are:

• Dialysis: As mentioned above, it performs the job of your kidneys when they are unable to function.
• Kidney transplant: Another popular treatment for kidney failure patients is kidney transplant. After finding a suitable donor, the recipient receives a healthy kidney that is surgically transplanted after the affected kidney is removed. Patients with kidney failure are usually given immunosuppressants to keep their immune system from attacking the new kidney.

What are the risks of dialysis?

Some of the risks of dialysis are as follows:

• Low blood pressure
• Anemia
• Difficulty in sleeping
• Cramps
• Itchiness 
• High levels of potassium in the blood
• Pericarditis
• Sepsis
• Bacteremia
• Sudden cardiac death
• Arrhythmia
• Abdominal muscle weakening
• High blood sugar
• Sudden weight gain
• Hernia
• Infections
• Hypothermia
• Electrolyte disturbance
• Anaphylaxis
• Weak bones
• Delayed recovery
• Bleeding

Conclusion

Dialysis is not a cure for kidney failure. Other methods of treatment must be explored to solve your kidney issues while dialysis temporarily performs your kidney’s functions.