Healthy kidneys are needed to remove excess wastes, minerals and fluids in the body. Kidneys produce hormones to help strengthen bones and cleanse the blood. Kidney failure can result in a build up of wastes and excess fluid, raising blood pressure. When the kidneys fail, they will stop producing enough red blood cells to carry oxygen to tissue. Treatment is crucial during end stage kidney failure when people lose between 85 to 90 percent of kidney function, according to the National Kidney Foundation. Dialysis is necessary to filter the blood.
Kidney Dysfunction
Conditions that can bring swelling, inflammation, infection and damage to the kidneys, according to the National Institutes of Health, include low blood pressure and decreased blood flow resulting from dehydration, hemorrhaging, injury, shock and urinary tract infection. Serious illness and surgery may also cause kidney damage. Chronic high blood pressure and negative reaction to transfusion can cause clotting of blood vessels in the kidneys.
Symptoms
There is a wide range of symptoms indicating kidney failure. Decreased sensation in the hands or feet, fatigue, decreased appetite and hand tremor are among the signs. There may be high blood pressure, swelling of the ankles, feet and legs, and prolonged bleeding. Bloody stools, urination changes, bruising easily, nausea, vomiting, nosebleeds, sluggish movements and seizures are other signs.
Dialysis
Dialysis is necessary to filter the blood. Hemodialysis filters the blood through a machine and rids the body of wastes, extra salt and extra water that has accumulated because of kidney failure. Blood is cleansed though tubes that enter the machine and then bring the blood back into the body. A dialysis filter acts as an artificial kidney. It helps keep the proper balance of chemicals such as potassium, sodium and calcium in the body. Hemodialysis also controls blood pressure. Peritoneal dialysis works by using the lining of the abdomen to filter the blood. A solution of minerals, sugar and water is sent into the abdomen through a catheter. Wastes from the blood are removed and the abdomen is then refilled with a fresh solution. The cycle of draining and refilling may be done repeatedly until the blood is thoroughly cleansed. Dialysis does not necessarily cure kidney failure, but it helps patients feel better and live longer.
Dialysis Dangers
Filtering the blood through a machine is essential for patients with chronic kidney failure, but the treatment can have side effects, including infection, poor blood flow and clotting. These problems can keep dialysis from working, and repeated treatments may be necessary until the body's system is functioning properly. Peritoneal dialysis can result in abdominal infection. Symptoms of infection include fever, unusual color of the used fluid and redness or pain at the site of the catheter. The infection can be treated with antibiotics.
Treatment Results
In some cases, patients with acute kidney failure may only need dialysis treatment for a short period and the kidneys will improve. In cases of chronic or end stage kidney failure, patients will need dialysis treatments for the rest of their lives, according to the National Kidney Foundation. Kidney transplant might be recommended.
