Dialysis is a life-saving treatment that helps remove waste products and excess fluid from the blood when the kidneys are not working properly. Dialysis machines are used to perform this procedure, and they work by circulating the patient’s blood through a special filter that removes the waste products.
How Does a Dialysis Machine Work?
Dialysis machines use a process called hemodialysis to clean the blood. Hemodialysis involves circulating the patient’s blood through a dialyzer, which is a special filter that removes waste products and excess fluid. The dialyzer is made up of two compartments: the blood compartment and the dialysate compartment. During hemodialysis, a special fluid called dialysate flows through the dialysate compartment, and the patient’s blood flows through the blood compartment. The dialysate helps to remove waste products and excess fluid from the blood.
What are the Benefits of Dialysis?
Dialysis provides life-saving treatment for people with kidney failure. Dialysis can help to:
- Remove waste products and excess fluid from the blood
- Control blood pressure
- Improve appetite and energy levels
- Prolong life
What are the Different Types of Dialysis?
There are two main types of dialysis: hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.
- Hemodialysis is the most common type of dialysis. It is performed in a dialysis center, and it typically takes several hours to complete.
- Peritoneal dialysis is performed at home. It involves using the patient’s own peritoneal cavity (the lining of the abdomen) as a filter to remove waste products and excess fluid from the blood.
What are the Risks of Dialysis?
Dialysis is a safe and effective treatment, but there are some risks associated with it. These risks include:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Blood clots
- Hypotension (low blood pressure)
- Anemia
- Muscle cramps
How to Prepare for Dialysis
If you are going to start dialysis, there are some things you can do to prepare. These include:
- Talk to your doctor about what to expect during dialysis
- Follow your doctor’s instructions for preparing for dialysis
- Bring a book or other activity to do during dialysis
- Eat a healthy diet and stay hydrated
- Get regular exercise
How to Cope with Dialysis
Dialysis can be a challenging experience, but there are things you can do to cope. These include:
- Joining a support group
- Talking to a therapist or counselor
- Learning about your kidney disease and dialysis
- Staying positive and focused on your goals
The Future of Dialysis
Dialysis is a life-saving treatment, but researchers are working to develop new and improved ways to treat kidney failure. These new technologies may include:
- Artificial kidneys
- Gene therapy
- Stem cell therapy
Conclusion
Dialysis is a life-saving treatment that helps people with kidney failure to live longer, healthier lives. Dialysis machines work by circulating the patient’s blood through a special filter that removes waste products and excess fluid. Dialysis is a safe and effective treatment, but it can be challenging. If you are going to start dialysis, there are things you can do to prepare and cope.
Tables
| Table 1: Number of People on Dialysis in the United States |
|—|—|
| Year | Number of People on Dialysis |
| 2016 | 468,000 |
| 2017 | 477,000 |
| 2018 | 486,000 |
| 2019 | 495,000 |
| 2020 | 504,000 |
| Table 2: Causes of Kidney Failure |
|—|—|
| Cause | Percentage of Cases |
| Diabetes | 33% |
| High blood pressure | 29% |
| Glomerulonephritis | 12% |
| Polycystic kidney disease | 6% |
| Other | 20% |
| Table 3: Benefits of Dialysis |
|—|—|
| Benefit | Description |
| Removal of waste products and excess fluid from the blood | Helps to improve appetite, energy levels, and sleep |
| Control of blood pressure | Helps to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke |
| Prolongation of life | Dialysis can help people with kidney failure to live longer, healthier lives |
| Table 4: Risks of Dialysis |
|—|—|
| Risk | Description |
| Infection | Can be caused by bacteria or viruses that enter the bloodstream through the dialysis machine |
| Bleeding | Can occur during dialysis if the dialysis machine is not working properly |
| Blood clots | Can form in the dialysis machine or in the patient’s blood vessels |
| Hypotension (low blood pressure) | Can occur during dialysis if the dialysis machine is not working properly |
| Anemia | Can occur during dialysis if the patient’s red blood cell count is low |
| Muscle cramps | Can occur during dialysis if the patient’s blood is not properly filtered |
