When do you need dialysis?

Dialysis is a medical procedure that helps remove waste products and excess fluid from the body when the kidneys are not working properly. It is typically needed in cases of severe kidney failure, also known as end-stage renal disease (ESRD).

There are two main types of dialysis: hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.

Hemodialysis is performed at a dialysis center or hospital and involves connecting the patient's blood vessels to a dialysis machine. The machine filters the blood and returns it to the body. Hemodialysis is usually performed three times a week for several hours each session.

Peritoneal dialysis is performed at home and involves using the peritoneal cavity (the space within the abdomen) as the filtering membrane. A dialysis solution is introduced into the peritoneal cavity through a catheter, and waste products and excess fluid are removed from the body through the solution. Peritoneal dialysis can be performed either manually or with the help of an automated peritoneal dialysis machine.

The decision to start dialysis is made by a doctor based on several factors, including:

- Blood test results that show high levels of waste products, such as creatinine and urea nitrogen

- Fluid retention that causes swelling in the feet, ankles, and hands

- Shortness of breath due to fluid buildup in the lungs

- High blood pressure that is difficult to control with medication

- Kidney damage that is not expected to improve

Dialysis is essential for people with ESRD to maintain their health and quality of life. It helps control blood pressure, prevent fluid overload, remove waste products from the body, and maintain electrolyte balance.