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What Causes Kidney Dialysis?

Dialysis is a common treatment used to treat kidney failure. During the procedure, a machine is used to perform the functions of a healthy kidney such as filtering harmful substances from the blood.

  1. Types

    • There are two different types of treatment: hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. Hemodialysis is much more rigorous and requires the close cooperation with a medical team to complete the proper treatment.

    Disease

    • Certain diseases lead to kidney failure. These diseases include diabetes, inflammation of the blood vessels, high blood pressure and other kidney-related issues.

    Time Frame

    • According to the Mayo Clinic, dialysis is required once kidneys function at only 10 to 15 percent. Most often, dialysis is started before life-threatening issues occur.

    Function

    • Dialysis can control blood pressure levels and the balance of wastes in bodily fluids. It also helps regulate the levels of sodium and potassium in the body.

    Warning

    • According to the Mayo Clinic, though people on dialysis will experience a better quality of life, their life expectancy is still less than the normal population.

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