How does dialysis work

The kidneys have a crucial role in the body because they are the ones that have to make sure that all the harmful waste will leave the body and the blood will remain clean and circulating efficiently. They also make sure that the water and the minerals from the body are maintained in a good balance. However, sometimes the kidneys stop functioning properly and become unable to perform their functions. This is where dialysis is required. Dialysis is a process that is necessary when the kidneys are no longer able to filter the blood for some reason. What dialysis does is help clean the blood through a particular kind of machine that’s made for that exact process.

The conditions that affect the kidneys and eventually lead them to such a state are mostly chronic, if it’s not their complete collapse or a renal failure that are in question. The dialysis solution can never be permanent, of course, but, it lasts for as long as the cure for the condition is provided, which is usually a kidney transplant.

Why is dialysis necessary in the case of kidney complications?

First of all, while it is mostly true, dialysis does not only take over the kidney function when needed. Should the cleansing of the blood be caused by a renal failure, dialysis would be the solution for that case as well.

When the kidneys do fail, it is crucial to have dialysis because not removing the waste accumulated in the blood and the body can have some serious consequences to the health. Some of these complications include high blood pressure, anemia, issues with the nerves and insufficient strength of the bones, to name a few. However, the most serious problems that kidney failure may result in are heart problems.

As stated before, dialysis helps filter the blood from all the built-up waste and keeps the body functions that depend on the proper functioning of the kidneys in order.

How does a dialysis machine work?

There are actually two kinds of dialysis, which are called hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.

Hemodialysis involves the use of a machine which works by inducing the blood to spread and flow freely and also makes sure that all of the wasteful substances are removed from the blood.

Peritoneal dialysis takes place in the peritoneal cavity which is basically the abdomen. This procedure is much simpler than hemodialysis and it can even be performed at home. All it takes is releasing the needed fluid into the abdomen.