Dialysis 101: What You Need to Know

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with kidney failure, understanding dialysis is crucial. Shifa Dialysis in Chicago, IL, is here to provide comprehensive care and support. This guide will help you understand what dialysis is, why it’s needed, and what to expect during treatment.

What Is Dialysis?

Dialysis is a medical treatment that performs the essential functions of the kidneys when they are no longer able to work properly. The kidneys filter waste, excess fluids, and toxins from the blood. When kidney function drops below 15% of normal, dialysis becomes necessary to maintain balance in the body.

There are two main types of dialysis:

• Hemodialysis: Blood is drawn from the body, filtered through a dialysis machine, and returned to the body.
• Peritoneal Dialysis: A cleansing fluid is introduced into the abdominal cavity, allowing waste to be absorbed and then drained.

Why Is Dialysis Needed?

Dialysis is needed when chronic kidney disease (CKD) progresses to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Common causes of kidney failure include diabetes, high blood pressure, and glomerulonephritis. Without dialysis, the body cannot remove harmful substances effectively, leading to serious health complications.

Some key facts about kidney disease:

• Over 37 million Americans suffer from chronic kidney disease.
• Approximately 750,000 people in the U.S. develop ESRD each year.
• Diabetes and high blood pressure account for 75% of kidney failure cases.

What to Expect During Dialysis

Understanding what to expect can help you prepare for dialysis sessions and ease concerns. Here’s what the process typically involves:

• Initial Consultation: A nephrologist will assess your kidney function and determine the best dialysis approach for you.
• Treatment Schedule: Hemodialysis usually takes place three times a week, with sessions lasting around four hours. Peritoneal dialysis can often be done at home daily.
• During Treatment: For hemodialysis, you will be connected to a machine via a vascular access point. Peritoneal dialysis involves filling the abdomen with dialysate fluid through a catheter.
• After Treatment: Patients may experience fatigue, but many report feeling better as their blood is cleaned.

Benefits of Dialysis

For many people, dialysis is a life-saver and has many health benefits. Dialysis helps improve quality of life and wellness by:

• Removing waste and toxins from the blood.
• Controlling blood pressure and electrolyte balance.
• Reducing symptoms such as swelling, fatigue, and shortness of breath.

Dialysis requires lifestyle adjustments, but many patients continue to live active lives. A healthy diet, regular exercise, and adherence to treatment plans are crucial for maintaining well-being. Shifa Dialysis offers patient education and support to ensure a smooth transition to dialysis.

Comprehensive Dialysis Options in Chicago, IL

Dialysis is a life-sustaining treatment that helps individuals manage kidney failure and maintain their health. At Shifa Dialysis in Chicago, IL, our compassionate team is dedicated to providing high-quality care and support to help you navigate your dialysis journey with confidence. We offer convenient at-home dialysis options for our patients.