How Can Dialysis Affect Your Health?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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The most common side effects of hemodialysis include

low blood pressure, access site infection, muscle cramps, itchy skin, and blood clots

. The most common side effects of peritoneal dialysis include peritonitis, hernia, blood sugar changes, potassium imbalances, and weight gain.

Why is dialysis hard on the body?


Fluid overload occurs when there is too much fluid build-up in the body during dialysis, as the kidneys are no longer able to remove enough on their own

. This can result in additional swelling, bloating, cramping, high blood pressure, shortness of breath and heart problems.

What problems are there with dialysis?

  • Low blood pressure (hypotension). A drop in blood pressure is a common side effect of hemodialysis. …
  • Muscle cramps. Although the cause is not clear, muscle cramps during hemodialysis are common. …
  • Itching. …
  • Sleep problems. …
  • Anemia. …
  • Bone diseases. …
  • High blood pressure (hypertension). …
  • Fluid overload.

Does dialysis shorten your life?


Older patients on dialysis have a significantly shortened life expectancy

, compared with healthy peers in their age group, Graham writes. Their risk of mortality increases even more when they have another chronic condition, such as diabetes, heart disease, or dementia.

What is the most common cause of death in dialysis patients?


Cardiovascular disease

is the leading cause of death in dialysis patients and sudden death (SD) represents a significant proportion of overall mortality in both hemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients.

Can kidneys start working again after dialysis?

The good news is that acute kidney failure can often be reversed.

The kidneys usually start working again within several weeks to months after the underlying cause has been treated

. Dialysis is needed until then.

Does dialysis put stress on the heart?


Dialysis treatments do not affect the heart health of kidney disease patients who have had a heart attack

, according to a new study. Since cardiovascular disease is the most common cause of death in kidney disease patients, the findings are good news for individuals who need the treatments.

Why do I feel so sick after dialysis?


Low blood pressure (hypotension) is one of the most common side effects of haemodialysis

. It can be caused by the drop in fluid levels during dialysis. Low blood pressure can cause nausea and dizziness. The best way to minimise these symptoms of low blood pressure is to keep to your daily fluid intake recommendations.

Why do dialysis patients turn dark?

Many reported cases of discolored skin, or hyperpigmentation, happen to people with ESRD.

One cause of skin discoloration is related to pigments called urochromes being retained in the skin

. Normally these are excreted by healthy kidneys. Patients with this condition tend to have a grayish, almost metallic color skin.

Can too much dialysis be harmful?

Having too much water in your body is called fluid overload or hypervolemia. One of the main functions of the kidneys is to balance fluid in the body.

If too much fluid builds up in your body, it can have harmful effects on your health, such as difficulty breathing and swelling

.

How do patients feel after dialysis?

Treatments usually last about two hours each. You and your care partner are trained over several weeks. Because dialysis is done more often, less fluid generally needs to be removed each time. This reduces symptoms like

headaches, nausea, cramping and feeling “washed out”

after treat- ment.

What is the life expectancy on dialysis?

Even with all the varying factors, on average a person can live

5 to 10 years

when seeking treatment for end-stage kidney failure. There are some patients who have lived longer on dialysis.

What is End Stage Renal Failure life expectancy?

Many people with ESRD who receive dialysis regularly or have a kidney transplant can often live long, healthy, active lives. The life expectancy for a person receiving dialysis is around

5–10 years, though many live for 20–30 years

.

Does dialysis cause heart problems?

Bethesda, MD—

Patients with advanced kidney disease who are undergoing hemodialysis are known to be highly susceptible to heart attacks and other cardiovascular complications

, and now scientists likely know why.

How do you know when dialysis is no longer working?


There is no single way to tell if someone is getting adequate dialysis and tolerating the procedure

. A supervising nephrologist is generally the best person to discuss prognosis and tolerance of the dialysis procedure.

Why would they stop dialysis?

Without dialysis,

toxins build up in the blood, causing a condition called uremia

. The patient will receive whatever medicines are necessary to manage symptoms of uremia and other medical conditions. Depending on how quickly the toxins build up, death usually follows anywhere from a few days to several weeks.

Does dialysis remove fluid from lungs?


Hemodialysis can remove the excess fluid from the body in overhydrated patients

, which in turn reduces water content of the lungs and thus decreases the pressure on airways, and reduces obstruction [27].

What happens if too much fluid is removed during dialysis?

Removing excessive fluid gain can make treatment uncomfortable.

Patients can experience a sudden drop in blood pressure

, which usually occurs toward the end of a dialysis treatment. You may feel nauseated, weak and tired because your body may not be used to having so much fluid removed at once.

Can your body reject dialysis?


Yes, dialysis patients are allowed to make decisions about stopping dialysis treatment

. You are encouraged to discuss your reasons for wanting to stop treatment with your doctor, other members of your health care team and your loved ones before making a final decision.

When should dialysis be stopped?

*Your GFR number tells your doctor how much kidney function you have. As chronic kidney disease progresses, your GFR number decreases. There may come a time when you feel you want to discontinue dialysis treatment.

You may feel that dialysis is no longer maintain- ing or improving your quality of life

.

Does dialysis stop kidney function?

Does dialysis cure kidney failure?

No. Even when very well done, dialysis only replaces part of your kidney function

. Hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis allow people with kidney failure to feel better and continue doing the things they enjoy, but neither replaces all of the jobs that healthy kidneys do.

Why do dialysis patients get chest pain?

Frequent causes of acute chest pain in patients undergoing haemodialysis include

acute myocardial infarction, pericarditis, pleuritis, air embolism, and gastro‐oesophageal reflux

.

Is shortness of breath normal for dialysis patients?


Shortness of breath is very common among patients on dialysis for kidney failure

; however, its causes are often not understood. This study will explore the lungs and the heart of these patients to determine the causes of shortness of breath.

Does dialysis cause weakness in legs?


Patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD), particularly those on dialysis, often have significant muscle weakness and lack of endurance

. This often results in a sedentary lifestyle that causes progressive deconditioning and increases morbidity and mortality among dialysis patients.

How do you get energy after dialysis?

Renal dietitians help dialysis patients determine the amount of calories and protein they need each day to optimize their energy level. In order to get enough energy from kidney-friendly foods, dialysis patients must

include foods rich in carbohydrates, proteins and fats

.

Do dialysis patients sleep a lot?


Sleep-associated symptoms and excessive daytime sleepiness are felt to be more common in dialysis patients

. Several surveys conducted in this patient population have identified a prevalence of sleep disturbances in up to 80% of patients.

James Park
Author
James Park
Dr. James Park is a medical doctor and health expert with a focus on disease prevention and wellness. He has written several publications on nutrition and fitness, and has been featured in various health magazines. Dr. Park's evidence-based approach to health will help you make informed decisions about your well-being.