Kidney Failure & Peritoneal Dialysis

Kidney failure occurs in a wide range of creatures and for any number of reasons. It is usually caused by damage done through injury or medication, and there is a wide range of treatment options. One such option is peritoneal dialysis.

Kidney Failure

• Kidney failure, or kidney disease, occurs when a person's kidneys shut down or stop working correctly. Because kidneys are the body's filter, in charge of sending toxins and excess fluid to the urinary tract, this leads to blood toxicity. Kidneys also release the hormone erythropoietin, which triggers red blood cell production, so damage to the kidneys directly results in lack of red blood cells.

Causes

• Kidney failure occurs when the blood flow to the kidneys is interrupted due to hydration, medication or injury. Medications like anti-inflammatories and iodine-containing solutions can directly damage the kidneys. Tumors, diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney stones and prostate disease may all bring on kidney failure.

Symptoms

• Signs of kidney failure begin with increased thirst and urination as the body seeks alternative means of flushing out toxins. These signs progress to blood in the urine, urine that smells especially foul, fatigue, depression and swelling in the extremities and abdominal area.

Treatments

• People with disorders like diabetes and hypertension, which lead to kidney failure, are advised to prevent kidney damage by living restricted lifestyles. According to MedicineNet.com, once kidneys are damaged, treatment consists of preventing further damage and managing the state of the kidneys as much as possible. Any underlying illnesses are treated, and a schedule of dialysis works to aid kidney function.

Peritoneal Dialysis

• Dialysis is a program during which blood moves out of the body, through a filtration system and back into the body. The filtration machine both replaces and supports healthy kidney function. According to MedicineNet.com, "Peritoneal dialysis uses the lining of the abdominal cavity as the dialysis filter." A surgeon places a catheter in the abdominal wall and then injects dialysis fluid into the abdominal cavity. The solution remains in the abdomen and filters the blood for several hours before it's drained. This process is repeated periodically, per the patient's individual needs, and is a long-term solution to the problem.