When your kidneys are healthy, they work continuously to remove waste and excess fluid from your blood, regulate important minerals, and help maintain the body’s internal balance. But when kidney function becomes severely reduced, waste products and fluid can build up in the body and cause serious health problems.
Dialysis is a medical treatment that helps perform some of the functions of failing kidneys. For people living with kidney failure, dialysis can be an important part of treatment and can help improve wellbeing and prolong life. However, starting dialysis can raise many questions: What exactly is dialysis? Who needs it? How does dialysis work? What types are available? Is dialysis painful? Can someone on dialysis live a normal life?
At Lily Hospitals, we believe that understanding your condition is an important part of receiving quality healthcare. This guide explains dialysis, its types, what to expect during treatment, possible complications, and practical steps patients can take to support their health.
What Is Dialysis?
Dialysis is a treatment that removes waste products and excess fluid from the blood when the kidneys are unable to do this adequately.
Healthy kidneys perform several important functions, including filtering waste from the blood, helping control fluid levels, regulating minerals such as potassium and sodium, and contributing to blood pressure regulation. When kidney function is severely impaired, dialysis can replace some, but not all of these functions.
Dialysis may be required temporarily in some people with acute kidney injury (AKI), where kidney function suddenly declines, or it may be needed long-term in people with advanced chronic kidney disease that has progressed to kidney failure.
It is important to understand that dialysis is not a cure for kidney failure. Instead, it is a treatment that helps manage the consequences of severely reduced kidney function.
What Is Kidney Failure?
Kidney failure occurs when the kidneys have lost most of their ability to function. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), kidney failure generally refers to kidney function falling below about 15% of normal.
Kidney failure can develop gradually as a result of chronic kidney disease or occur suddenly in cases of severe acute kidney injury.
Common conditions that can contribute to chronic kidney disease and eventual kidney failure include:
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Certain kidney diseases
- Recurrent or severe kidney infections
- Some inherited kidney disorders
- Certain medications or toxic exposures
- Autoimmune conditions affecting the kidneys
Early detection and treatment of kidney disease can help slow its progression in many patients. This is why people at increased risk should discuss kidney health screening with our specialists.
When Is Dialysis Needed?
The decision to start dialysis is not based on one laboratory result alone. Doctors consider kidney function, symptoms, blood test results, fluid levels, overall health, and other complications.
People with severe kidney failure may develop symptoms because waste products and excess fluid accumulate in the body. Possible symptoms include:
- Persistent fatigue or weakness
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea or vomiting
- Swelling of the legs, feet, hands or face
- Changes in urination
- Shortness of breath, particularly when excess fluid accumulates
- Difficulty concentrating
- Persistent itching
- Muscle cramps
- Sleep problems
However, kidney disease can sometimes progress significantly without obvious symptoms. This is why regular medical assessment is important, particularly for people with conditions such as diabetes or hypertension.
For many people, dialysis is planned in advance as kidney function declines. Early preparation can give patients and healthcare professionals time to discuss treatment options and prepare for kidney replacement therapy.
What Are the Types of Dialysis?
There are two main types of dialysis:
- Haemodialysis
- Peritoneal dialysis
Both treatments remove waste and excess fluid from the body, but they do so in different ways.
1. Haemodialysis
Haemodialysis uses a dialysis machine and a special filter called a dialyzer, sometimes referred to as an artificial kidney.
During treatment, blood is circulated from the body through the dialyzer. The filter removes waste products and excess fluid before the cleaned blood is returned to the body. Haemodialysis can also help control certain minerals and blood pressure.
Haemodialysis is commonly performed at a dialysis centre under the supervision of trained healthcare professionals. The frequency and duration of treatment depend on the patient’s individual medical needs and the prescription provided by the nephrology team.
Before regular haemodialysis begins, a patient generally needs a suitable form of vascular access through which blood can safely leave and return to the body. Our healthcare team will discuss the most appropriate option for each patient.
2. Peritoneal Dialysis
Peritoneal dialysis uses the lining of the abdomen, called the peritoneum, as a natural filtering membrane.
A soft catheter is placed into the abdomen. Dialysis solution is introduced through the catheter. While the solution remains inside the abdomen, it absorbs waste products and excess fluid. The used solution is then drained and replaced with fresh solution.
There are two common approaches:
Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD): Exchanges are performed manually during the day.
Automated Peritoneal Dialysis (APD): A machine called a cycler performs exchanges, often while the patient sleeps.
Peritoneal dialysis can provide more flexibility for some patients because it can be performed at home after appropriate training. However, it requires careful attention to hygiene and infection prevention.
Haemodialysis vs Peritoneal Dialysis
The best dialysis option varies from person to person. Factors such as medical condition, lifestyle, home environment, support system, personal preferences and clinical suitability may influence the decision.
| Feature | Haemodialysis | Peritoneal Dialysis |
| Main filtering method | Dialysis machine and dialyzer | Peritoneal membrane |
| Location | Often a dialysis centre | Often performed at home |
| Access | Vascular access | Abdominal catheter |
| Equipment | Dialysis machine | Dialysis solution, catheter and possibly a cycler |
| Schedule | Based on prescribed treatment plan | Regular exchanges throughout the day or overnight |
| Training | Healthcare team manages treatment in a centre | Patients/caregivers receive training for home treatment |
| Key concern | Vascular access and treatment-related complications | Infection prevention and catheter care |
Our nephrologist will help determine which treatment is most appropriate for you.
What Happens During Haemodialysis?
If you are having haemodialysis at a dialysis centre, our healthcare team will monitor you before, during and after treatment.
Before treatment, our healthcare team will check your:
- Blood pressure
- Weight
- Heart rate
- General condition
- Vascular access
Your blood is then circulated through the dialysis machine and dialyzer. Waste products and excess fluid are removed, and the filtered blood is returned to your body.
During treatment, patients may read, listen to music, watch something, rest or engage in other quiet activities, depending on the dialysis centre’s environment.
After treatment, our healthcare team will reassess your weight, blood pressure and overall condition.
The exact treatment plan includes the number and duration of sessions.
Is Dialysis Painful?
Dialysis itself should not be thought of as a painful procedure, although some aspects of treatment may cause discomfort.
For haemodialysis, the insertion of needles into vascular access may cause brief discomfort. Some patients may experience fatigue, muscle cramps, dizziness, headaches or changes in blood pressure during or after treatment.
With peritoneal dialysis, patients may initially notice a feeling of fullness or bloating when the dialysis solution is inside the abdomen. Proper catheter care and technique are essential to reduce the risk of infection.
If you experience significant pain, fever, severe weakness, difficulty breathing or other concerning symptoms, notify our healthcare team promptly.
Possible Side Effects and Complications of Dialysis
Like any medical treatment, dialysis can be associated with side effects and complications.
Potential problems with haemodialysis include:
- Low blood pressure
- Muscle cramps
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Problems involving vascular access
- Infection
- Anaemia and other complications associated with advanced kidney disease
Peritoneal dialysis has its own potential complications, with peritonitis, an infection involving the abdominal lining, being an important concern.
Warning signs may include abdominal pain, fever, nausea or cloudy drainage. Anyone undergoing peritoneal dialysis should receive clear instructions about recognising and reporting possible infection.
Following the prescribed dialysis schedule and maintaining good hygiene and access-site care can help reduce complications.
Can You Live a Normal Life While on Dialysis?
Yes. Although dialysis requires commitment and lifestyle adjustments, many people continue working, spending time with family, travelling, exercising and participating in activities they enjoy.
The key is learning how to incorporate treatment into your daily life.
Some practical tips include:
- Attend all scheduled dialysis sessions.
- Take prescribed medications as directed.
- Follow your personalised diet and fluid recommendations.
- Keep your dialysis access clean and protected.
- Monitor your weight as advised.
- Maintain appropriate physical activity.
- Keep regular medical appointments.
- Communicate openly with your healthcare team about symptoms or difficulties.
- Seek emotional and social support when needed.
Dialysis can become a regular part of life, but it should not necessarily define a person’s identity or goals.
Can Dialysis Be Stopped?
Dialysis should never be stopped or missed without discussing it with your healthcare team.
Missing treatments can allow waste products and excess fluid to accumulate, potentially causing serious complications.
In some cases, dialysis may be temporary, for example, when kidney function recovers following certain forms of acute kidney injury. For people with established kidney failure, treatment may be long-term unless another appropriate treatment option, such as kidney transplantation, becomes available.
When Should You See a Kidney Specialist?
Early evaluation can be valuable for people who have risk factors for kidney disease.
Consider speaking with a doctor about kidney health if you have:
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- A history of kidney disease
- Recurrent urinary or kidney problems
- A family history of certain kidney conditions
- Persistent swelling
- Changes in urination
- Unexplained fatigue
- Persistent nausea or loss of appetite
- Abnormal kidney function test results
People with known chronic kidney disease should follow their healthcare provider’s recommendations for monitoring kidney function.
Early diagnosis does not guarantee that kidney failure can be prevented, but appropriate management can help protect remaining kidney function in many patients.
Dialysis Care at Lily Hospitals
At Lily Hospitals, we understand that kidney failure affects more than the kidneys. It can affect a patient’s energy, work, family life, finances and emotional wellbeing.
Our approach to dialysis care is centred on providing patients with professional medical support throughout their treatment journey. From assessment and monitoring to ongoing dialysis management, patients benefit from care designed around their individual medical needs.
If you or a loved one has been advised to begin dialysis, it is important to ask questions and understand your treatment options. Our healthcare professionals can help you understand your diagnosis, treatment plan and the steps involved in managing kidney failure.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dialysis
Is dialysis a cure for kidney failure?
No. Dialysis replaces some of the functions of healthy kidneys by removing waste and excess fluid, but it does not completely replace every function of the kidneys or cure kidney failure.
How often is haemodialysis required?
The schedule varies according to the patient’s medical needs and dialysis prescription. Many people receiving centre-based haemodialysis have treatment several times a week, but the exact frequency and duration should be determined by the nephrology team.
Can dialysis patients work?
Many people on dialysis continue working, although schedules may need to be adjusted around treatment and individual health needs.
Can someone on dialysis travel?
Travel may be possible, but it requires planning. Patients should discuss travel arrangements with their healthcare team well in advance to ensure continuity of treatment.
What happens if I miss a dialysis session?
Missing dialysis can lead to a buildup of fluid and waste products and may increase the risk of serious complications. Contact your dialysis centre or healthcare provider immediately if you are unable to attend a scheduled session.
Is kidney transplant an alternative to dialysis?
For suitable candidates, kidney transplantation can be an alternative form of kidney replacement therapy. However, not everyone is eligible for transplantation, and patients require thorough medical assessment.
Take Your Kidney Health Seriously
Your kidneys perform essential functions every day, often without noticeable symptoms when they are becoming damaged. By the time kidney failure develops, substantial kidney function may already have been lost.
Dialysis can be a life-supporting treatment for people whose kidneys can no longer adequately remove waste and excess fluid. Understanding the different types of dialysis, following your treatment plan, maintaining appropriate nutrition and staying in regular contact with your healthcare team can help you manage life with kidney failure.
If you have been diagnosed with kidney disease or advised to consider dialysis, you do not have to navigate the journey alone.
Speak with a qualified healthcare professional at Lily Hospitals to learn more about kidney disease, dialysis and the treatment options available for your individual needs.
Your kidneys deserve attention. Your health deserves expert care.
