Verified By Dr Bibekananda Panda November 19, 2023
15688Dialysis takes over the function of the kidney and numerous people with kidney disease are benefited by it. However, it does not cure your kidney disease. For certain patients with acute kidney failure, dialysis can be a treatment for just a short time, till the kidney starts functioning normally. However, in case of chronic or end-stage kidney failure, dialysis is required for rest of your life till you get kidney transplantation done.
When your kidney fails and is unable to take care of your body requirements, dialysis is required. Dialysis performs the following functions:
While dialysis can save your life, we must be aware of the precautions and risks involved.
Dialysis patients are more prone to infection which can have a direct impact on health. Infection occurs when bacteria, fungi or virus enter your body by touch or when you inhale the infecting agent through nose or mouth. Dialysis patients sometimes get infected due to vulnerability of their access site or other co-existing health conditions (e.g. diabetes). You can take simple measures to avoid such infections:
If you are undergoing peritoneal dialysis, the chances of getting infection of the peritoneum are more. Peritonitis can be easily treated if found early and you are the one who can best prevent it. Listed below are the precautions you can undertake:
Daily inspect the catheter tunnel and exit site for any redness, drainage, tenderness or swelling.
Patients who undergo dialysis treatment are more prone to getting an infection. Both hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis have side effects, due to the way dialysis is carried out and also because it can compensate only partially for the loss of kidney function. You are the most important member of your care team as you are aware of your body i.e. what is normal and what is abnormal. Precautions have to be taken during and after dialysis. Diet for dialysis patient and lifestyle have to be changed accordingly. You should closely monitor how your body is reacting and keep the doctor well informed about such details. Any infection or side-effects if not handled on time, can be life-threatening.
MD PEDIATRICS DNB NEPHROLOGY, Senior Consultant - NEPHROLOGY, Apollo Hospitals, Bhubaneshwar