Filtering Myths and Facts about Dialysis

What is Dialysis?

Kidneys are one of the most important and essential organs of the body. Kidneys are responsible for purifying the blood by removing waste and excess fluid from the body. When the kidneys do not function properly it can lead to kidney failure. Dialysis is used to perform the function of the failed kidneys. Dialysis treatment filters and purifies the blood by using the machine. It is an artificial process of eliminating waste and unwanted water from the blood. Dialysis is the artificial replacement for lost or failed kidneys. Dialysis is recommended to patients who have acute kidney failure or for patients who are fairly stable and have permanently lost function of the kidney.

Types of Dialysis

Dialysis is performed with two different approach:-

Hemodialysis: Hemodialysis is the most common type of dialysis. Hemodialysis uses hemodialyzer to remove the waste and chemicals from the blood. The surgeon creates a vascular access in the blood vessels to get the blood flow to the artificial kidney. In hemodialysis dialysis the vascular access allows a larger amount of blood to flow through the body which means more blood can be filtered and purified. Hemodialysis usually takes around three to five hours. This dialysis typically needed three sessions per week. However, hemodialysis dialysis can also be done in shorter and in more frequent sessions.

Peritoneal Dialysis: Peritoneal dialysis involves surgery to implant a catheter in the belly area. While performing peritoneal dialysis a special fluid dialysate flows into the abdomen.  After the dialysate draws out the waste from the bloodstream, it’s drained from the abdomen. There are different types of peritoneal dialysis. Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis and continuous cycler-assisted peritoneal dialysis are the common types of peritoneal dialysis.

Myths and Facts about Dialysis

People who are diagnosed with end-stage renal disease require dialysis. Generally people have many questions in their mind about Dialysis as several myths can contribute to common misconceptions about the burden of being on dialysis. Following are some of the myths and facts about dialysis:-

Myth: Dialysis is a painful procedure.

Fact: - The discomfort that is caused while on dialysis depends on the type of dialysis you are treated with. With hemodialysis, you may experience some discomfort when the needles are put into your fistula or graft, but mostly this procedure is not very painful. The dialysis treatment itself is painless procedure. However, in some cases, patients may experience headaches, nausea, vomiting, cramps, or drop in the blood pressure.

Myth: - To receive a dialysis treatment you have to travel to hospital or healthcare center at least three times per week for hours at a time.
Fact: - It is perhaps the most common myth about dialysis. You can undergo hemodialysis which requires dialysis unit at a hospital or it can also at your home. Peritoneal dialysis can also be done at home after learning the procedure from the doctors. Doctor decides which form of dialysis and place is best for you which is generally based on your medical condition.

Myth: - After Dialysis patients do not have the time or energy to work.
Fact: - After dialysis patients can continue to work normally and resume to their daily activity after proper rest. But it is important to consult the doctors before resuming back to your daily activities.

Myth: - Dialysis patients can't travel.
Fact: - Patients who are on dialysis can travel easily but they need some prior planning to it. Dialysis centers are located in many countries. You can easily take appointments for dialysis treatments at another center, and send information about your medical treatment and history.

Myth: - Dialysis will helps in curing the kidney disease.
Fact: - Dialysis performs some of the function of the kidneys, but it does not cure the kidney disease. You may need dialysis treatments for your whole life unless you undergo a kidney transplant.

There are many myths that are attached to the kidney transplant and Dialysis treatment it is important to understand the myths and facts about Dialysis. Dialysis performs some of the function of the kidneys and it does not change the way of life you lead but it definitely adds some more lifestyle precautions so you can lead a healthy life.

Dialysis Treatment in India

India has many dialysis centers and dialysis treatment is available in India at very affordable costs. World class medical facilities are available in India. A large number of healthcare facilities in India offers dialysis treatment at the most affordable costs.  IndianMedTrip is a medical tourism company which provides the best deal and packages for kidney treatments in India. IndianMedTrip helps patients in finding the best surgeon and hospitals across the country. Patients at IndianMedTrip are offered with wide range of services right from their arrival till departure at the most affordable costs.