Dialysis

Introduction

The crucial organs, the kidneys tend to get affected due to various reasons that concern from senility or underlying illness. However, if kidneys tend to fail to work properly then it may result in severe conditions for the affected individual leading to death. The process of dialysis supports individuals to survive. In simple words, it can be stated that through the process of dialysis, the normal functioning of the body is maintained which is similar to the work done by healthy kidneys.

What is Dialysis?

Kidneys are stated crucial within the human body that are responsible for the elimination of the metabolic wastes within our body resulting in the proper functioning of the body. Failing of kidneys results in minor to major diseases within humans.

The process of dialysis is stated is an artificial way that supports extracting the waste materials as well as the excess fluids from the body. From the medical records, it is said that the normal kidney filters blood amounting to 100-150 quarts.

If the kidneys do not function, it may result in an accumulation of wastes within the body, which in severe cases may result in a coma leading to death. Therefore, order to cure a patient suffering from this condition requires dialysis. This process supports maintaining blood pressure together with the extraction of wastes from the body. This also prevents chemicals from reaching hazardous levels, such as sodium, potassium as well as bicarbonate. However, this treatment is conducted for the individual who is severely suffering from a critical disorder of the kidneys such as renal failure and grave damage to the kidneys.

Principle Followed in Dialysis

The process of dialysis follows a specific principle where through the presence of a semi permeable membrane the fluid passed is ultra-filtered. This is added up with the processes of dissipation of the solutes. In this, the process of diffusion is consulted which results in flow that is against the gradient concentration.

However, this results in the passing of the minor solutes and results in the stoppage of bigger substances through the layer. This is the exact process that is followed in the treatment procedure associated with dialysis. Although this treatment, is not a permanent but this can be taken as a temporary treatment. However, a kidney transplant may be stated as the permanent solution for patients who are suffering from chronic kidney diseases.

Symptoms Leading to Dialysis Treatment

The situation when a person needs to take up the treatment of dialysis depends on the working conditions of the kidneys of the individual. However, certain common symptoms are there that may result in dialysis treatments. The first one is a persistent or sudden change that is noticeable in the urination of the individual followed by a taste of metals in the mouth that is due to the ammonia breath.

Other symptoms involve, itching or pruritus, feeling of being fatigued, and feeling nauseated. Swelling also occurs within individuals who suffer from chronic kidney disease. Protein aversion occurs with the loss in appetite of the individual.

Categories of Dialysis

There are noticed several processes for treatments associated with dialysis. However, there lie three primary methods that are followed by the two secondary methods. Among the primary method, there involves Hemodialysis followed by Peritoneal dialysis and lastly, Hemofiltration dialysis. On the other, the secondary method involves, Hemodiafiltration dialysis as well as Intestinal dialysis.

Among all these methods, the two processes namely hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis are stated to be quite common. Both images of these two ways of dialysis are given. Peritoneal dialysis states the treatment where a catheter is implanted in the stomach of the patient’s body surgically. This results in the circulation of the fluid named dialysate resulting in the absorption of waste materials from the patient’s body.

In the process of hemodialysis, with the help of the dialysis machine, the blood gets purified and is returned back to the body of the patient. The above image shows the way followed during the hemodialysis process.

Benefits of Dialysis

Varied advantages are noticed if a person goes on dialysis, suffering from chronic kidney disorders. The process of dialysis can be done at home and Peritoneal dialysis can be said as a comfortable method and are quite easy to use. In Peritoneal dialysis, the equipment is less in weight and can be carried by patients.

Conclusion

In this tutorial, the focus is given to exploring the concepts and principles that are followed in the process of dialysis. More to this it is noticed that there are many primary and secondary processes that are used in dialysis. Although dialysis is not a permanent solution to chronic disorders associated with the kidney but is able to help the individual suffering from it.

FAQs

Qns 1. When does an individual require the process of dialysis?

Ans. Dialysis is referred to as a process that is required by an individual when their crucial organ kidney is not capable of filtering the water products from the blood. However, this condition may occur due to certain chronic or acute diseases. It may also occur in an individual when the individual is under certain medication procedures or is quite exposed to toxic pollutants.

Qns 2. What is the difference noticed between the treatments of hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis?

Ans. The difference that is noticed between the treatments of hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis, is that in hemodialysis, the blood is taken out of the body and through medicines, it is filtered and gradually returned to the body through a number of tubes that are connected to the patient. On the other, in peritoneal dialysis, there is an implantation of the catheter is made within the stomach of the patient thereby absorbing the waste through the circulation of dialysate.

Qns 3. What are the types of dialysis?

Ans. The two major types of dialysis are hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. Although both the processes are different all of these are used to extract wastes from the blood.