Side Effects of Kidney Dialysis
Dialysis treatments keep patients alive in the latter stages of renal failure. Though it is a lifesaving treatment for many, some patients may have to face several side effects of kidney dialysis.



Kidneys are the filters of our body. Every day, they process about 200 quarts of blood, and separate out about 2 quarts of waste products and extra water from it. When the kidneys stop functioning properly, these waste products and extra water begin to circulate in the body. Patients in end stage renal failure, are kept alive by dialysis. Before taking a look at the side effects of kidney dialysis, let's first know about kidney dialysis.

What is Kidney Dialysis?

Dialysis is the artificial procedure of performing functions of the kidneys. The two most often used forms of dialysis are hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. In hemodialysis, the process of cleansing of the blood is done by a special filter called a dialyzer. During this kidney dialysis process, the blood is routed through tubes into the dialyzer, which sifts out wastes, extra salt, and extra water. The clean blood is returned to the body through another set of tubes. The other technique called peritoneal dialysis, involves use of the body's own tissue cells existent within the abdominal cavity to filter the blood. A special fluid is inserted into the abdominal cavity via a plastic tube called a catheter. This fluid moves around the intestines, and the intestinal walls act as a filter between this fluid and the blood stream. This fluid helps in the removal of waste products and excess water from the body.

Kidney Dialysis Side Effects

Like most medical treatments, along with all the undisputed benefits come the possible side effects. Hence both the dialysis treatments produce side effects that differ from patient to patient.

Side Effects of Hemodialysis

During dialysis, when too much fluid is removed from the blood, it results in low blood pressure. It... [continues]

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