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A 2024 study published by The Lancet reveals that India had the highest number of patients, with 175,000 people receiving dialysis globally in 2018. The study, which included 23,601 patients, found that 71% (i.e., 7 out of 10 patients) survived beyond six months of starting dialysis. However, 28% of patients died within 10 months of treatment, indicating a mortality rate in India that is nearly double that of high-income Western countries and Japan.
Synopsis
Kidney Dialysis - Vital Support for Failing Kidneys or the End?
For many, kidney dialysis may feel like a final chapter, especially for patients with acute kidney injury (AKI), chronic kidney disease (CKD) or end-stage kidney disease. As a life-sustaining procedure, kidney dialysis helps replace critical functions of the kidneys when they can no longer filter waste, excess fluids, or toxins from the bloodstream. While it may seem like the end of one phase, dialysis gives patients a chance to regain their stability and help maintain their renal health.
Whether you are new to dialysis or have been receiving it for years, understanding how to manage your condition is the key to maintaining a quality of life. In this blog, we talk about why patients with renal diseases require kidney dialysis, types of kidney dialysis processes, and 10 simple but powerful tips for individuals undergoing the treatment.
Kidney Dialysis – Why Do You Need It?
Usually, renal failure develops without any symptoms until 85–90% of kidney function is lost and the GFR falls below 15. As the organ function declines, creatinine levels rise, causing fatigue, nausea, muscle cramps, poor appetite, and anaemia.
At this stage, dialysis is recommended to filter waste and excess fluids from the blood. The treatment acts as life-saving support for those with acute, chronic or end-stage kidney diseases by helping the body maintain its chemical balance.
What Are The Types of Kidney Dialysis Treatment?
There are two kidney dialysis processes – Haemodialysis and Peritoneal Dialysis (PD).
Haemodialysis is the most common type of kidney dialysis process and involves a dialysis machine called the ‘dialyser’ to filter waste toxins and excess fluid. The procedure involves a surgically created vascular access site, typically in the arm. The equipment functions as an artificial kidney by pumping blood from the body. After being filtered, the blood is subsequently pumped back to the body.
Peritoneal Dialysis uses the peritoneal membrane in the abdomen as a filter. A soft tube (catheter) is placed into the abdomen, and a special fluid called the dialysate is introduced. This fluid absorbs waste and is later drained and replaced. Each fluid replacement is called an exchange, and the schedule varies from person to person.
Tips for Kidney Dialysis Patients – What Every Patient Should Know
Starting kidney dialysis can be overwhelming. Patients may need to adjust their daily routines, lifestyles, diets, and more while coping with physical and emotional changes. There are a few simple tips every patient can follow to ensure a smooth and manageable journey during the treatment.
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Stick to the Dialysis Schedule: Attending all dialysis sessions is necessary to avoid complications. Skipping sessions can lead to a buildup of waste, causing serious health risks.
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Follow a Renal-Friendly Diet: Collaborate with a dietitian and create a customised diet plan to support your nutritional needs during dialysis. You should limit your intake of minerals like sodium and potassium, as well as some fluids. Protein intake is beneficial to help maintain blood proteins, as dialysis removes some from the blood. However, excessive protein intake can strain your kidneys.
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Control Fluid Intake: Increased fluid consumption can lead to issues like high blood pressure and heart problems. Therefore, pay attention to fluid intake to avoid overload.
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Take Medicines on Time: Consume medications prescribed by doctors as scheduled, be they blood pressure medicines, supplements like vitamin D or phosphate binders.
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Attend Follow-ups Thoroughly: It is essential to undergo regular consultations with doctors to assess the effectiveness of kidney dialysis and make necessary adjustments, if required, to your treatment plan.
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Care for Your Access: Consult your doctor immediately if you notice any signs of infection, such as redness or warmth around the access site. Maintain excellent hygiene practices, and avoid touching your access with dirty hands.
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Being Active: Regular physical activity helps improve strength, as well as mental well-being. Consult your doctor to determine which exercises are safe during dialysis.
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Get Adequate Sleep: Patients undergoing kidney dialysis can experience fatigue, affecting their sleep cycle. Establish healthy bedtime habits and routines and aim for at least 7-8 hours of sleep.
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Be Aware Of Your Illness: Stay educated about your health issues, and clarify any doubts or questions you have with your doctor. This will help you in making better decisions regarding your health.
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Manage Stress: Keep your mental well-being in check. Spend time with your loved ones, and reach out to a counsellor or a support group if you require emotional support.
Conclusion
Living with a kidney disease and undergoing kidney dialysis can be challenging. However, with the right care and mindset, patients can lead a full and active life. Other tips than those mentioned above include avoiding smoking and drinking, keeping a check on your vitals like blood pressure and weight, and having close contact with your key team.
At Manipal Hospitals, Mukundapur, our nephrologist is an expert in managing all aspects of kidney dialysis, whether starting or continuing. If you or your loved ones are undergoing treatments, do not hesitate to consult our expert team for a customised plan. Book an appointment now.
FAQ's
You can live longer with dialysis if you follow tips like maintaining excellent renal health habits, taking medications regularly, following up consistently with doctors, sticking to a nutritious diet, and staying physically active.
Dialysis is not a cure for renal failure. Sometimes kidney failure can be temporary, and the treatment can help the kidneys recover. However, in most cases, a transplantation is required. Kidney dialysis can serve as a vital life-supporting treatment in the meantime.
Dialysis and transplantation are still considered the two main treatments for kidney failure. For those wishing for kidney failure treatments without dialysis, medical management is an option. On the other hand, the waiting time for kidney transplantation can take years. During that time, you may require dialysis as a support therapy.
Lean proteins like meats, tofu and eggs; vegetables and fruits; grains; and unsweetened tea. Avoid processed foods and sugary drinks. Refrain from high sodium and potassium foods like packaged foods, oranges, bananas, and potatoes, as well as foods that contain phosphorus, like dairy products and some nuts and seeds.
You can schedule an appointment at the Nephrology Department of Manipal Hospitals, Mukundapur, by contacting us or visiting our website.
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