CKD and Dialysis Basics

Kidneys

Healthy kidneys clean your blood (up to 200 liters a day) of toxins and excess fluid. They also make hormones needed for your bones and production of red blood cells. The main functions of the kidneys are handled by nephrons. Each kidney has more than a million of them that filter the blood. Physicians who specialize in kidney disorders are called nephrologists.

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

A kidney is considered to have failed when 85% to 90% of nephrons no longer work properly. This is the fifth or final stage of CKD, and dialysis will be needed at this point. When this happens, the toxins usually filtered out of your blood build up and make you sick. It may also cause high blood pressure, anemia, and weak bones.

People with CKD often have muscle cramping and swelling, especially of their feet and ankes. Other symptoms may include fatigue, trouble sleeping, nausea and vomiting.

Dialysis

Dialysis methods, or modalities as they are sometimes called, replace some of the functions of healthy kidneys. Dialysis removes the wastes, salt and extra water from your blood. It also helps control your blood pressure and regulates the proper level of potassium, sodium and other electrolytes in your body.

The two main methods of dialysis are hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. Both accomplish the same basic results but through different methods. Depending on the method, dialysis is needed from a few times per week to multiple times a day. Those with renal failure will need some type of treatment for the rest of their lives. Treatments could be any of the dialysis modalities or a successful kidney transplant.