Do you know what dialysis is? Why do we need it? Or what could be the reason it is called the angel treatment when the kidney is not working properly?

Do you have a near one on dialysis and struggling to find out the ways of managing its side effects?

There are many things that you may not know about this treatment and its side effects management. And you’re not alone.

As you would be curious to know about it, we are here to help you with understanding this whole process.

Mykare Health will help you understand what side effects of kidney are, how you can manage the side effects and what are the and how you can improve it.

What is Dialysis?

When the kidneys are unable to filter waste materials and extra fluid from the blood, dialysis is a medical procedure that can help. Here are some of the must-knows on the kinds of dialysis.

• Dialysis can be performed at home, in a dialysis facility, or in a hospital. Hemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD) are the two forms of dialysis.

• In HD, your blood is filtered using a dialyzer (a device that removes waste and excess fluid) and then put back into your body. A small surgical incision must be made to create a vascular access site—an opening into one of your blood vessels—usually in your arm before beginning HD treatment.

• One can perform hemodialysis at home or in a dialysis facility. Three times a week, for approximately four hours, treatments are administered.

• Instead of using a dialyzer machine, your blood is filtered internally when you are on PD. In PD the blood inside the body is cleaned by using the lining of the abdomen as a filter. Either at work or at home, PD is possible.

When Do You Need Dialysis?

Together with your nephrologist, you should make the very personal decision to begin dialysis. You and your doctor have input into the final decision, which may involve other parties like family, friends, or a minister.

It is not predicated on any specific number or laboratory test. Whether the patient's symptoms are indicative of advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) and whether dialysis can alleviate them are the key factors in this decision.

Five stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD) exist, with Stage 5 being the most advanced, characterised by an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of less than 15.

Side Effects of Dialysis

Wondering what could be the side effects of dialysis? Here you go.

• Gaining weight: Dialysate fluid, which contains sugar molecules, is used in PD. The body absorbs some of these molecules, according to the National Health Service (NHS).

This could result in an individual consuming more calories than they normally do each day — typically by a few hundred. If you do not make up for this by cutting back on calories, you may put on weight.

Dietitians and doctors can advise on the best diet to help the body maintain or lose weight while providing it with the nutrients it needs.

• Needle pain: The painful part of HD is getting a needle inserted into your arm and connecting it to the dialysis machine's tube. The insertion of a needle can occasionally hurt. But the discomfort usually goes away in a few minutes. So, nothing to stress about.

• Low blood pressure: One of the most common side effects of HD is low blood pressure, also known as hypotension. The abrupt decrease in fluid levels during dialysis could be the cause of this.

Symptoms of hypotension include nausea and dizziness. Reintegrating fluids and maintaining proper hydration can help lessen the symptoms of low blood pressure.

• Hernia: PD may make a person more susceptible to having a hernia. Prolonged retention of fluid in the peritoneal cavity can strain the abdominal muscles and cause hernias.

There could be a lump in the afflicted area. A hernia may go unnoticed by many, and the lump may only show up when performing specific motions, like bending over or coughing.

Typically, surgery is required to repair a hernia. Repositioning the displaced tissues inside the abdominal wall is the surgical procedure.

Know More About Hernia Treatment

How to Manage the Side Effects?

It is all about knowing the right hacks to manage the side effects of dialysis and amp up quality of life. Here are some of them.

• Low blood pressure: Maintaining proper hydration is crucial for managing low blood pressure. Drink lots of water, but stay away from alcohol and caffeine. Consult a physician prior to beginning any low blood pressure medication.

• Infection: One major adverse effect of dialysis is infection. Maintaining cleanliness and dryness at the dialysis site is crucial to preventing infection. Wash hands frequently and avoid touching the dialysis site. If there is any redness, swelling, or discharge coming from the dialysis site, consult a physician.

• Itchy skin: Dialysis frequently causes this side effect. Use mild soap, avoid taking hot baths or showers, and moisturise your skin after washing. Consult a physician prior to using any lotions or creams.

• Vomiting and nausea: Common side effects of dialysis include vomiting and nausea. Avoid eating right before dialysis to help control nausea and vomiting. Consult a physician prior to using any medication to treat nausea or vomiting.

Improving the quality of life and general wellbeing of patients receiving this life-sustaining treatment depends on efficiently controlling the negative effects of dialysis.

Patients can reduce discomfort and difficulties related to dialysis by being proactive in their care, being aware about potential side effects, and keeping lines of communication open with healthcare personnel.

Patients are essential to their own health in many ways, from dietary changes to taking prescribed drugs as directed and living a healthy lifestyle. Furthermore, building a solid support network among family, friends, and the medical staff can be quite helpful in providing much-needed emotional support during the difficult dialysis phases.

Even though dialysis is an essential medical procedure, individuals can still enjoy happy, fulfilled lives despite the challenges of their treatment if their side effects are well managed.

A more positive dialysis experience is facilitated by routine check-ups, continuing education, and patient-provider collaboration, which enables people to face the journey with hope and perseverance.