Dialysis is a treatment for individuals whose kidneys are failing. There are two types of dialysis, hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis, that both perform normal kidney functions, filtering waste and excess fluid from the blood.
Dialysis is a treatment for people whose kidneys are failing. When you have kidney failure, your kidneys don’t filter blood the way they should. As a result, wastes and toxins build up in your bloodstream. Dialysis does the work of your kidneys, removing waste products and excess fluid from the blood.
Who needs dialysis?
People who have kidney failure, or end-stage renal disease (ESRD), may need dialysis. Injuries and conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes and lupus can damage kidneys, leading to kidney disease.
Some people develop kidney problems for no known reason. Kidney failure can be a long-term condition, or it can come on suddenly (acute) after a severe illness or injury. This type of kidney failure may go away as you recover.
There are five stages of kidney disease. In stage 5 kidney disease, healthcare providers consider you to be in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or kidney failure. At this point, kidneys are carrying out around 10% to 15% of their normal function. You may need dialysis or a kidney transplant to stay alive. Some people undergo dialysis while waiting for a transplant.
What do the kidneys do?
Your kidneys are part of your urinary system. These two bean-shaped organs sit below your rib cage on each side of your spine. They clean toxins from your blood, returning filtered, nutrient-rich blood to the bloodstream.
The waste and extra water make urine, which moves from the kidneys into the bladder. Your kidneys also help regulate your blood pressure.
