These Side Effects Of Dialysis Need to Know

Dialysis is done as a way to replace kidney function that is not functioning properly in patients with kidney disease. Although it brings benefits, but please note there are a number of side effects of dialysis that need to be aware of. In patients with late stage chronic kidney disease or people who lose kidney function more than 85% are required to do dialysis in order to avoid various complications. Including the accumulation of toxins, metabolic waste and excess fluid in the body.

Side Effects of Washing Blood by Method

Dialysis or dialysis is divided into two namely hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. Generally, the side effect of dialysis is a prolonged feeling of weakness. However, each dialysis has different side effects. In the hemodialysis dialysis method, dialysis can only be done in a hospital and can be done up to three times a week. Side effects of dialysis include:

• Blood pressure is too low or high

The most common side effect of hemodialysis is a decrease in blood pressure, especially for those of you who also have diabetes. Other symptoms that may occur are shortness of breath, stomach cramps, muscle cramps, nausea or vomiting. Conversely, blood pressure can also surge too high, especially if you are a kidney sufferer with a history of hypertension who still consume excessive salt or water.

• Anemia

Anemia or a condition often referred to as lack of blood, is one of the side effects that is quite common, related to the effects of kidney disease and dialysis.

• Itchy Skin

The presence of phosphorus buildup due to hemodialysis can cause itchy skin. This condition is common but to prevent or alleviate the symptoms of itchy skin, you may need to undergo a special diet and take phosphate binders regularly as directed by your doctor.

• Muscle cramp

Although the cause is unclear, muscle cramps during hemodialysis can usually occur. Warming or giving a warm compress in the area, can be done to help expedite blood circulation and reduce muscle cramps that are felt. While on the dialysis method peritoneal dialysis, can be done at home with supervision and direction from a doctor. It's just that this dialysis method must be done every day on a regular basis. Like hemodialysis, dialysis peritoneal dialysis also has side effects, although different.

• Peritonitis

Peritonitis is a common complication caused by peritoneal dialysis. This infection can occur when the dialysis device used is not sterile so that the possibility of germs or bacteria spread to the peritoneum or stomach lining can occur. So before using dialysis equipment, make sure that the equipment is sterile.

• Weight gain

In peritoneal dialysis, dialysis fluid used generally contains sugar so that the possibility of sugar absorbed by the body. This can increase calorie intake in the body. For those of you who undergo medical treatment, consult your doctor about diet and exercise that is recommended so that weight can be controlled properly.

• Hernia

People who undergo peritoneal dialysis have a higher risk of developing hernias. This is due to the presence of fluid that lasts for hours in the peritoneal cavity which causes tension in the abdominal muscles. This can trigger hernias.

• Ineffective

If you have been doing peritoneal dialysis for years, your doctor may suggest switching to hemodialysis. Because, in the long run, peritoneal dialysis no longer works effectively.

The side effects of dialysis vary in each person. However, this action is considered important to undergo in patients with kidney disease, to help replace kidney function so that it can run the metabolism properly. Consult your doctor regularly to maintain a healthy body while undergoing dialysis and get the proper and effective handling of the side effects of dialysis.