Tag Archives: chronic kidney disease

Dialysis

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Dialysis is a treatment for those whose kidneys aren’t functioning properly due to late-stage kidney disease, end-stage kidney disease (EKD), or kidney failure. When a person suffers from these conditions, their kidneys don’t filter blood the way they should. This causes waste such as urea, creatinine, acids, and toxins to build up in their bloodstream. Dialysis does the work your kidneys would do by removing waste products and excess fluids from the blood.  

Dialysis is common, as over 2 million people worldwide treat their kidney disease with dialysis or a kidney transplant.  

A person may need dialysis or a kidney transplant to stay alive. Some people undergo dialysis while awaiting a transplant. Kidney failure is fatal without treatment, and if a person has kidney failure, they may survive a few days or weeks without dialysis.  

There are two types of dialysis: hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.  

Hemodialysis is the most common type of dialysis that uses a machine that: 

  • Removes blood from the body through a vein in the arm 
  • Filters blood through an artificial kidney 
  • Returns clean blood to the body 

People can receive hemodialysis at a dialysis center or at home. Most people receive hemodialysis at a dialysis center three times a week for three to four hours, and three to seven times a week, depending on the type of at-home hemodialysis, with sessions lasting between three and eight hours.  

Before a person starts hemodialysis, a surgeon will enlarge some of their blood vessels in their arm to make dialysis access easier and to allow blood to flow in and out of their body more quickly.  

Peritoneal dialysis uses the inner lining of the abdomen or peritoneum to filter blood. A person adds a dialysis solution called dialysate in their peritoneum that helps the blood vessels in the area to filter their blood. After this process, the person will drain the dialysate in a bag outside of their body. There are two main types of peritoneal dialysis: 

  • Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) 
  • Automated peritoneal dialysis (APD) 

Before a person begins peritoneal dialysis, a healthcare provider will surgically insert a permanent soft tube called a catheter in their abdomen. They will teach them how to add the dialysate and later drain the solution through the catheter. 

Continuous peritoneal dialysis usually lasts 40 minutes, and a person will need three to five sessions each day. Automated peritoneal dialysis may take eight to 12 hours and may need to be done every day.  

A healthcare provider can review dialysis options with you and determine which type works best.

If you or a loved one is experiencing kidney problems and would like to learn more about dialysis, you can receive treatment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486. 

 

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Chronic Kidney Disease

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Approximately 30 million adults in the United States are living with chronic kidney disease (CKD).  This condition causes damages to kidneys and leads to a loss of function over time.  If your kidneys are unable to function properly, complications such as hypertension, nerve damage, weakened bones and anemia can develop. CKD also increases the risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

While high blood pressure can result from chronic kidney disease, it can also be the cause of it.  Other conditions and diseases that can cause CKD include diabetes, recurrent kidney infections, prolonged obstruction of the urinary tract and vesicoureteral reflux.

Anyone at any age can develop chronic kidney disease; however, some people are more at risk than others. You may have an increased risk for CKD if you:

  • Have a family history of kidney  failure
  • Have diabetes
  • Have hypertension
  • Are obese
  • Have cardiovascular disease
  • Are a smoker
  • Are of African American, Native American, Pacific Islander or Asian American descent
  • Are an older adult

Signs and symptoms of chronic kidney disease can vary by individual and may appear over time as the disease progresses. They can include:

  • Muscle cramps and twitches
  • Swelling of feet and ankles
  • Trouble concentrating
  • Fatigue
  • Frequent urination, especially at night
  • Itchy skin
  • Shortness of breath
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • High blood pressure
  • Vomiting

There are several things you can do to prevent CKD and keep your kidneys healthy.  Maintaining a healthy diet and cutting back on food rich in sugar and salt is beneficial for your kidneys, as well as monitoring cholesterol levels, keeping hydrated, quitting smoking and drinking in moderation.

If you are living with chronic kidney disease, it is strongly advised that you keep blood pressure and blood sugar levels under control, moderate protein consumption, reduce salt intake, avoid NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and get the flu shot each year.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.