The kidneys’ job is to the filter blood. If kidneys are damaged due to various causes, they are unable to perform their regular functions, causing toxins to build up in our bodies. Dialysis is a way of filtering blood artificially using a dialysis machine. Dialysis permits people to work and live productive lives for longer periods of time.
Dialysis
Dialysis is used to replace the function of the kidneys until they have been restored. When the kidneys are unable to work effectively, a person must have this procedure to maintain body equilibrium. Dialysis eliminates waste, salt, and excess water from your body, preventing them from collecting in your body. It also guarantees that certain substances in the blood, such as bicarbonate, sodium, and potassium, are kept at the proper levels. Finally, it aids in the regulation of blood pressure.
A healthy kidney filters about 1500 litres of blood per day. If the kidneys aren’t performing properly, waste can build up in the blood. This can cause major health problems, including coma and death.
Types of Dialysis
The different types of dialysis explained here.
Peritoneal Dialysis
A catheter is implanted within the area around the belly button, via which the fluid is delivered to your body. The waste is drawn from the blood by the dialysate fluid, which is subsequently emptied from your abdomen.
Peritoneal dialysis is further divided into two categories. One is Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD), which involves filling and draining the abdomen many times per day. The other is Continuous Cycler – Assisted Peritoneal Dialysis, which involves cycling fluid in and out of the abdomen using a machine. It’s usually done in the middle of the night while the patient is sleeping.
Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis
The process of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis can be repeated without the use of any machinery by the patient or caregiver. The dialysate solution is allowed to stay in the body for up to 8 hours before being refilled.
Automated or Continuous Cyclic Peritoneal Dialysis
The Automated or Continuous Cyclic Peritoneal Dialysis technique necessitates the use of a specialist machine and is usually done at night to allow the patient to sleep uninterrupted. Each session takes 10 to 12 hours to complete.
Patients requiring autonomy and freedom yet find haemodialysis too exhausting can choose this type of treatment. This is the greatest option for persons who travel frequently, work or go to school because it eliminates the need to visit a dialysis clinic on a regular basis.
Haemodialysis
The most prevalent type of dialysis is haemodialysis. An incision is made by the doctor to allow blood to flow to the prosthetic kidney or hemodialyzer. A tiny incision in the leg or arm is used to provide the entrance point. It can also be done by connecting one of the arteries to the vein beneath the skin to form a fistula, which is a larger blood artery.
During the therapy, a substantial amount of blood can flow out of your body through this surgical entrance point. More blood is filtered as a result. This procedure normally takes 3 to 5 hours to complete. Haemodialysis is usually required three times each week for a patient.
Conclusion
Dialysis is a treatment for people who have renal failure. The kidneys don’t filter the blood and also they should when renal failure occurs. As a result, wastes and poisons build up in your bloodstream. Dialysis aids your kidneys in their function by removing waste and excess fluid from your blood.
The different types of dialysis are as follows;
- Haemodialysis
- Peritoneal dialysis
Peritoneal dialysis is a method where the peritoneal dialysis (PD) catheter is implanted into the belly.
Peritoneal dialysis also has two types;
- Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis
- Automated or Continuous Cyclic Peritoneal Dialysis
The most common type of dialysis is haemodialysis, which involves the use of an artificial kidney (hemodialyzer) to remove waste and excess fluid from the blood.