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Kidneys And Dialysis

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Kidneys are vital to our body. The kidneys are considered to be a multitasking
organ. They are involved in filtering the body’s waste, balancing water, regulating blood
pressure, red blood cells, and acid. It is important to note that even though humans are
born with two kidneys, we can survive with only one functioning kidney. Since these
organs are vital and constantly multi-tasking, they are susceptible to failure and can lose
their ability to function properly.
When individuals experience kidney failure, harmful wastes and toxins begin to
build up in the body, causing various symptoms may arise. Potential signs of kidney
failure may include nausea, fatigue, hypertension, and more. When kidney failure is
diagnosed, it is important to receive medical assistance. If left untreated, kidney failure
can lead to death, seizures, and coma.
Individuals can obtain different treatment options for kidney failure that is best
suited for their lifestyle. A common treatment method is dialysis. An individ ual typically
receives dialysis treatment once they are in the end stages of kidney failure. According to
the National Kidney Foundation, dialysis keeps the body in balance by removing waste,
keeping the chemical levels in the body at a safe level, and helps control blood pressure.
Dialysis treatment can be received in a hospital or at home. When considering dialysis
treatment, there are two treatment methods available: hemodialysis and peritoneal
dialysis.
According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney
Diseases (NIDDK), hemodialysis works by filtering blood. A machine is used to remove
harmful wastes and extra fluid, similar to how the kidneys previously functioned. An
individuals blood is filtered through a dialyzer outside of the body (2016). A pump on

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the hemodialysis machine pulls a few ounces of blood through a needle and into a tube.
Once the individuals blood reaches the dialyzer, thin fibers filter out any unwanted
substances. After the dialyzer filters the blood, another tube carries the cleansed blood
back into the body. This treatment method can be done at home or in the hospital.
However, if a patient chooses hemodialysis, lifestyle changes will need to be made. This
includes modifying diets, taking medication, and limiting water and other liquids
received from drinks and food.
Another treatment option that may be presented to patients is peritoneal dialysis.
Similar to hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis also functions to filter waste and extra fluid
circulating in the body. According to NIDDK, this type of dialysis utilizes the lining of
the belly (peritoneum) that holds the stomach, liver and, bowels to filter blood (2016). A
catheter will be placed in the belly shortly before the treatment begins. Once the
treatment starts, a dialysis solution will be poured into the catheter. The dialysis solution
will soak up the waste and extra fluid in the patient’s body. After a few hours, the
solution needs to be drained through another tube into a drain bag and can be disposed.
The process then starts again with a fresh dialysis solution. This is referred to as an
exchange. This process is constantly ongoing, so the belly will always soak up waste and
extra fluid (NIDDK, 2016). It is important to note that there are two types of peritoneal
dialysis. Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis does not require a machine and can
be conducted at home. It requires the dialysis solution to remain in the body for four to
six hours, with a drain process taking 30 to 40 minutes (NIDDK, 2016). This process is
done at least four times a day and the patient can choose to sleep with the solution at
night, so sleeping patterns are not disturbed. Continuous cycler-assisted peritoneal

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Kidneys are vital to our body. The kidneys are considered to be a multitasking organ. They are involved in filtering the body’s waste, balancing water, regulating blood pressure, red blood cells, and acid. It is important to note that even though humans are born with two kidneys, we can survive with only one functioning kidney. Since these organs are vital and constantly multi-tasking, they are susceptible to failure and can lose their ability to function properly. When individuals experience kidney failure, harmful wastes and toxins begin to build up in the body, causing various symptoms may arise. Potential signs of kidney failure may include nausea, fatigue, hypertension, and more. When kidney failure is diagnosed, it is important to receive medical assistance. If left untreated, kidney failure can lead to death, seizures, and coma. Individuals can obtain different treatment options for kidney failure that is best suited for their lifestyle. A common treatment method is dialysis. An individual typically receives dialysis treatment once they are in the end stages of kidney failure. According to the National Kidney Foundation, dialysis keeps the body in balance by removing waste ...
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