KIDNEY & DIALYSIS
The kidneys are essential organs that filter waste products, excess fluids, and toxins from the blood, maintaining a healthy balance of electrolytes and regulating blood pressure. When the kidneys fail due to conditions like chronic kidney disease or acute injury, they can no longer perform these critical functions, leading to a buildup of harmful substances in the body. In such cases, dialysis becomes necessary as a life-saving treatment. Dialysis is a process that mimics the natural filtration function of the kidneys. There are two main types: hemodialysis, where blood is circulated through a machine that cleans it and returns it to the body, and peritoneal dialysis, where a special fluid introduced into the abdominal cavity absorbs waste before being drained out. While dialysis cannot cure kidney disease, it helps manage the condition by removing waste and balancing fluids, thereby improving quality of life for those with kidney failure.
KIDNEY & DIALYSIS
Kidney and dialysis are closely related in the context of kidney function and treatment for kidney failure. Here's a brief overview of each:
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Kidney Function:
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Role of Kidneys: The kidneys are vital organs responsible for filtering waste and excess fluids from the blood, balancing electrolytes, and regulating blood pressure.
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Kidney Failure : When the kidneys lose their ability to filter waste effectively, it results in kidney failure (also called end-stage renal disease, ESRD).
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Dialysis:
Dialysis is a treatment used to replicate the functions of healthy kidneys when they fail.
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1. Types of Dialysis:
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Hemodialysis : Blood is drawn from the body, passed through a machine that filters waste and excess fluids, and then returned to the body. This is usually done at a dialysis center, though home options are available.
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Peritoneal Dialysis : This involves inserting a special fluid into the abdominal cavity through a catheter. The fluid absorbs waste from the blood through the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) and is then drained away.
2. How Dialysis Works :
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Hemodialysis : Typically done three times a week, each session lasting 3-5 hours.
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Peritoneal Dialysis : Can be done daily or overnight depending on the method chosen.
3. Importance of Dialysis : It helps people with kidney failure by removing toxins and managing fluid balance, which the kidneys would normally do.
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Dialysis can extend life for many years, but it doesn’t cure kidney disease. In some cases, a kidney transplant may be a preferred long-term solution.