In 2006 over half a million people were living with kidney disease in the United States, according to the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse. The number has only increased since then. Kidneys have very important functions in the body. Kidneys remove waste from the blood, produce urine, regulate electrolytes and release certain hormones. When the kidneys are not functioning properly, as in kidney disease, dialysis may be necessary. Dialysis is a process that aids in the cleaning of the blood by removing waste and excess fluid. It has been a treatment option for those with kidney disease since the 1940s.
Reasons for Dialysis
According to the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse, in 2006 over 350,000 people were on dialysis. Dialysis is recommended for those with kidney function less than 15 percent, as recommended by the National Kidney Foundation. Kidney disease or failure is the only reason dialysis is necessary. Kidney failure can happen due to trauma or an accident involving the kidney. However, long-term conditions such as diabetes or hypertension are the main causes of kidney failure.
Types of Kidney Disease
Dialysis treatment is dependent on the type of kidney disease. Chronic kidney disease is characterized by the progressive damaging of the kidney over time. Chronic kidney disease has five stages and dialysis usually is not recommended until the later stages of the disease. Acute kidney failure, characterized by sudden onset of kidney issues, can be caused from obstructed urine flow due to a blockage or insufficient blood supply to the kidneys. Dialysis may be needed for acute kidney failure, however, length of dialysis is based on the specific condition.
Dialysis Treatment
Treatment for chronic kidney disease is a lifelong process. Patients undergoing dialysis need treatment at least a few times a week based on the severity of their condition. Patients with kidney disease have a few options. Hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis are the two types of dialysis for those with chronic kidney disease. Dialysis is needed for the remainder of the patient's life unless a kidney transplant is an option. Dialysis is a way to extend quality and length of life and most research suggests those on dialysis could possibly live as long as healthy individuals without kidney disease, according to the National Kidney Foundation.
Hemodialysis
Most people in need of dialysis are on hemodialysis. According to the NKUDIC, over 300,000 people are on hemodialysis. Hemodialysis is where blood is removed, filtered and then returned to the patient through a dialyzer. A patient is hooked up to a machine for a few hours at a time, usually three to five hours in order to adequately clean the blood. The machine uses a pump and dialysis solution, which helps pull toxins from the blood and return clean blood to a main vein into the body. Hemodialysis machines are very expensive; the American Association of Kidney Patients report dialysis costs nearly $30,000 a year. Medicare usually covers around 80 percent of the cost. Installing a machine at home can cost even more with nearly $2,000 in piping, tubing and installation costs.
Peritoneal Dialysis
Peritoneal dialysis is another option for those with kidney failure. Over 20,000 people choose peritoneal dialysis as their treatment, according to NKUDIC. It is often a good choice for those who want to dialyze in the comfort of their home. It is also advantageous as it gives patients the options to dialyze every day, more freedom with diet and it eliminates visits to a dialysis clinic. Peritoneal dialysis uses the peritoneum, which is a lining of the stomach. The peritoneum is a membrane that acts like a filter to remove the toxins and excess fluid from the body.
Prevention
Preventing dialysis can be possible for certain populations. Those already diagnosed with hypertension and diabetes are at risk. However, if diet and medication regimens are followed, a patient can avoid harming their kidneys and generally delay or completely avoid the need for dialysis. Those with chronic kidney disease can also follow the diet and medication provided by their health care professional and delay the onset of dialysis.
Dialysis Facts
Patients on dialysis need to have continuous monitoring of their blood to make sure the treatment is effective. Their diets are also restrictive as some minerals are not as effectively cleaned out by dialysis. Protein is cleaned out in the blood in dialysis so patients usually have a higher need for protein in their diets. Dietitians, social workers, nurses and doctors all work together with patients on dialysis to provide them with care to make their lives as normal as possible. As of 2006, the NKUDIC stated the probability of patients surviving on dialysis after one year is 78.7 percent. After two and five years the probability decreases to 64.3 percent and 33.1 percent, respectively.
