KIDNEY DIALYSIS

If the kidneys fail, it is possible to replace their function using dialysis, an artificial way to remove toxins, waste products and extra fluids from your blood.  

How a patient’s feeling and blood tests determine when it is necessary to begin dialysis. Some patients do not need to start until some time,probably in years after diagnosis. However, patient must know about the different options available, because they should make a choice about which method of dialysis they use.

Occasionally, there may be medical reasons to prefer one sort of dialysis to another - this is something to discuss with your doctor.

Dialysis treatments can be done either in a facility or in your own home. Home treatment allows you more choice about when to start and end your treatment than you have in facility. Facilities treat many persons and must keep close to scheduled shifts for treatment start and finish times. Also transportation to and from facilities must be considered.

There are two types of dialysis  

1. Haemodialysis

2. Peritoneal Dialysis

Kidney disease affects children of all ages as well as adults. Children may be started on hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis with the parents as the partners who are trained to perform the therapy. The machines are the same but the sizes of the tubing and solutions are smaller to fit the size of the child. Peritoneal dialysis is usually chosen first if medically possible to allow the child the daytime freedom to attend school and socialize with his/ her friends and family.