Dialysis is a life-saving method to filter your blood when you suffer from end-stage renal (kidney) disease (ESRD). According to MedlinePlus, there are two types of dialysis: hemodialysis and peritoneal. Hemodialysis filters toxins and excess water or sodium in your blood via a machine, while peritoneal dialysis involves utilizing your stomach lining (peritoneum) to filter your blood. In hemodialysis, you will visit a hospital or clinic to receive dialysis treatments three times a week. In peritoneal dialysis, your blood can be continuously filtered in the comfort of your own home. Both types of dialysis share the same complications and side effects.
Infections
According to the Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) Foundation, you can develop an infection at the dialysis access site. In hemodialysis, the access site is in your arm while in peritoneal dialysis, the access site is in your stomach. In fact, the PKD foundation says that 10 to 15 percent of patients receiving hemodialysis develop an infection at the venous (of the vein) access site. You may experience redness, swelling and pain at that region. Those receiving peritoneal dialysis are more likely to develop peritonitis (inflammation of your abdominal lining). Peritonitis symptoms include stomach pain, stomach distention, nausea and vomiting. Call your doctor when you develop either of these infections.
Anemia
The National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NKUDIC) says that dialysis can also lead to anemia, a condition of lowered red blood cell counts. Typically, your kidneys are supposed to produce a hormone known as erythropoietin. This hormone is responsible for stimulating your bone marrow to produce red blood cells (RBCs). These cells contain hemoglobin, an oxygen carrying pigment, that is supposed to tote around oxygen through the vital organs in your body. Anemia symptoms include fatigue, paleness, dizziness, trouble breathing and headaches. The NKUDIC says that anemia can still occur when you retain 20 to 50 percent of your kidney function.
Other Complications and Side Effects
The Polycystic Kidney Foundation says that dialysis can also lead to bone diseases, high blood pressure, fluid overload and hyperkalemia (high blood potassium levels). You may develop changes in your phosphorus, calcium and vitamin D levels. All these nutrients play a major role in ossifying your bones. Without them, you develop osteomalacia, a condition in which your body can no longer convert vitamin D to its calcium-absorbing form. High blood pressure can lead to a heart attack or stroke and hyperkalemia can lead to cardiac arrest (heart stops beating). Another complication includes blockage of your access site. Sometimes, blood clots can form in the site and prevent the hemodialysis machine and abdominal wall from filtering your blood.
