What Is Dialysis? A Beginner's Guide

• Felix Hospital - Greater Noida
• 03 Apr 2025

Dialysis is a medical treatment that is highly significant in the management of kidney failure. Dialysis provides treatment to patients whose kidneys cannot filter out toxins, excess water, and waste products from the blood. Dialysis replicates the body's natural filtering mechanism by the kidneys by avoiding dangerous accumulations that destroy other bodily functions.

In this initial article, we shall find out what dialysis is, what forms of dialysis there are, and who can require it. We shall see the procedure, risk factors, and why you must seek the services of a kidney expert to treat you.
 

If you or your loved one has a kidney problem, don't lose expert treatment.

What Is Dialysis?

Dialysis is a form of medical treatment for waste product removal, salt, and excess water from the body in case kidneys fail to do it naturally. Dialysis helps maintain blood pressure as well as concentrations of desired electrolytes between potassium and sodium such that there will be normal heart and muscle functioning.

Types of Dialysis

There are two forms of dialysis, i.e., hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.

1. Hemodialysis

During hemodialysis, your blood is cleaned outside the body by a dialysis machine. It does this by removing blood from the body, sending it through a dialyzer (a special filter), and putting blood back into the body. This type of dialysis is usually done in a dialysis center in Noida or some other health center like it, usually three times a week for 3-5 hours at a time.

2. Peritoneal Dialysis

Peritoneal dialysis utilizes the lining of the patient's belly on the inside (peritoneum) as a filter. A special solution is put inside the belly through a catheter that absorbs the waste and excess water. The solution is then drained after a while, taking the waste products with it. This dialysis can be done at home for most patients, which is more convenient to other patients.

Why are individuals on dialysis?

Dialysis is needed if kidneys are not able to function on their own. Kidney disease can reach the stage of end-stage kidney failure, where kidneys have lost 90% of their ability to filter blood. In such a situation, dialysis or kidney transplant has to be done to stay healthy and avoid life-threatening complications.

Dialysis might be needed for a wide range of reasons including:

• Chronic kidney disease (CKD): Permanent condition wherein the kidneys gradually lose their function throughout life.
• Acute kidney injury (AKI): Sudden loss of kidney function that is reversible in some situations.
• Diabetes mellitus and hypertension: Both are the most common reasons for kidney failure.
• Genetic diseases: Like polycystic kidney disease.

The Dialysis Process

Multiple steps are involved in the dialysis process:

• Preparation: Hemodialysis requires blood access to be established. A surgeon creates a blood vessel access point through which blood may flow in and out. For peritoneal dialysis, a catheter is inserted into the abdomen.
• Filtration: Peritoneal fluid or blood is filtered by the treatment process in a machine or by the body's abdominal lining to eliminate waste products, excess water, and toxins.
• Post-treatment Follow-up: The patient is observed for infection or access site complication following dialysis. Follow-up with a nephrologist in Noida on a regular basis should be ensured so that the treatment is effectively functioning.

Risks and Side Effects of Dialysis

Although dialysis is capable of enhancing the quality of life among patients suffering from kidney failure, there are certain risks involved with it. Some of the probable side effects are:

• Infection: more particularly at catheter or vascular location.
• Hypotension: on dialysis accidentally, as abrupt loss of body fluid.
• Muscle cramps: Are most likely associated with dialysis caused by fluid shifts.
• Bone and anemia: Dialysis ever since long has also been found to exert effect on bone and red blood cell production within the body.

However, complications that result from dialysis can be minimized to the barest limit with successful treatment.

The Role of the Best Dialysis Clinic

Dialysis-wise, choosing a proper hospital in Noida depending on your requirements is of the highest priority. You can experience the best dialysis treatment from a right center along with professional medical staff. Either in-center hemodialysis or home peritoneal dialysis, you have to make sure the center or the hospital possesses quality facilities and skilled health workers to perform the dialysis on you.

Can Dialysis Be Stopped or Reversed?

Sadly, dialysis is not a one-time fix, and it can't even heal kidney disease. In some cases, a kidney transplant can be done, where a donor's healthy kidney replaces the failed kidneys. In others, dialysis will be a lifelong routine to treat kidney failure and overall health.

Need help managing kidney disease? Seek a reputable hospital for complete dialysis treatment.

Conclusion

Dialysis is a lifeline that enables patients with renal failure to have healthier, longer lives. Patients should be adequately informed about the procedure and must cooperate with their care team to effectively control the condition. Routine visits to a nephrologist in Noida, close observation, and strict adherence to the dialysis regimen are crucial for sustaining the optimum quality of life. If you want to find a kidney hospital in Noida or want to know about dialysis, ensure that you consult specialists. The earlier you get proper treatment, the better your results will be.

FAQs on Dialysis

1. Hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis have what difference?

Hemodialysis utilizes a machine to draw out blood away from the body to filter it, whereas peritoneal dialysis utilizes the abdominal lining to filter out waste products and excess fluid in the body. Hemodialysis is typically performed in a dialysis center, whereas peritoneal dialysis is typically performed at home.

2. How often does dialysis treatment need to be given?

For hemodialysis, treatment is most often needed three times a week, taking about 3-5 hours. Peritoneal dialysis may be done every day, based on the individual's own treatment regimen.

3. Will dialysis cure kidney disease?

No, dialysis will not cure kidney disease. Dialysis is a treatment that will give treatment for kidney failure but not mend damage. A kidney transplant could offer more of a long-term solution for some individuals.

4. Is dialysis painful?

Dialysis itself is not painful but is cramping on hemodialysis. Patients will also have some discomfort in the catheter or access. 

5. What are the risks of dialysis?

Some of the risks include infection, low blood pressure, muscle cramps, and long-term complications like anemia or bone disease. But these risks are generally easily preventable with proper care and attention.

6. How does dialysis restore electrolyte levels to normal?

Dialysis maintains electrolytes like potassium, sodium, and calcium used for normal heart and muscle activity. Dialysis removes excess electrolytes after the kidneys are no longer able to do so.

7. Can I live normally on dialysis?

A large number of the patients can have a relatively normal life with dialysis by taking proper precautions with the treatment and adjusting the lifestyle patterns. Adherence to a proper care plan strictly and frequent follow-up with a nephrologist are the most crucial parameters to sustain an acceptable life.