Kidney dialysis cleans the blood of people whose kidneys have failed. It is often the only thing that stands between a patient in renal failure and certain death. That being said, it is not without negative effects, most of which are determined by whether the patient chooses to have their blood cleaned through a catheter in their arms, called hemodialysis, or through a catheter implanted in the belly or peritoneal dialysis. Many of these negative effects can be minimized by taking take the time to learn about them and act accordingly.
Infection
Peritoneal dialysis often results in peritonitis. Peritonitis is the name of an internal infection located in the belly where the catheter is implanted. According to dialysis provider Da Vita, peritonitis can "cause fever, nausea, vomiting and stomach pain." Quick treatment prevents this infection from becoming systemic. Patients can decrease the chance of infection by dialyzing in a clean area, using sterile gloves when they touch the catheter site and applying antibiotic cream to the site to prevent infection.
Hernia
Hernias are another potential side effect of peritoneal dialysis. A hernia occurs when an opening or weakness in the muscles of the stomach wall. They can occur with peritoneal dialysis because the stomach wall has already become weakened by the presence of the dialysis catheter. Patients can minimize this effect by electing hemodialysis if they have a history of hernia or abdominal surgery.
Low Blood Pressure
Low blood pressure is a common effect of hemodialysis. The American Association of Kidney Patients claims that "hypotension or low blood pressure is one of the most common causes, if not the most common cause, of nausea and tiredness after a dialysis treatment." This effect can be minimized by changing the settings of the dialysis machine so that less fluid is removed from the patient and by the patient drinking less liquid between dialysis sessions. The ability to produce urine decreases as kidney function declines so fluid builds up in the body. Dialysis removes this extra fluid, but if too much fluid is removed, patients will feel tired and sick.
Muscle Cramps
Muscle cramps, particularly in the legs, sometimes occur during hemodialysis. There is no one single reason for these cramps, but often occur when liquid is removed from the patient too quickly or when too much liquid is removed. If cramping occurs, patients should let their medical provider know immediately so that they can adjust the hemodialysis machine.
