Dialysis for Kidney Failure: Understanding Treatment & Options

Dialysis is a life-sustaining treatment that helps people with malfunctioning kidneys remove waste products and excess fluid from their blood. When the kidneys are not working properly, they cannot filter out these substances, which can build up and cause serious health problems. Dialysis helps to keep these levels in check and prevent complications.

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

* Hemodialysis is performed in a hospital or dialysis center, typically three times per week for several hours each session. During hemodialysis, blood is pumped from the body through a dialyzer, a special filter that removes waste products and excess fluid. The cleansed blood is then returned to the body.

* Peritoneal dialysis is performed at home and can be done on a continuous basis or several times per day. During peritoneal dialysis, a dialysis solution is introduced into the abdominal cavity, where it absorbs waste products and excess fluid. After a period of time, the dialysis solution is drained and replaced with fresh solution.

Dialysis can be a life-changing treatment for people with malfunctioning kidneys. It can help to improve their quality of life and allow them to live longer, healthier lives.