Dialysis Turkey
Dialysis is a treatment that does part of the work of healthy kidneys when they no longer work well enough. Failing kidneys can no longer remove waste, extra water and salt from the blood, keep minerals in balance or help control blood pressure. Dialysis takes over many of these jobs and helps patients stay well.
When is dialysis needed?
When kidney function falls to a very low level, usually around 15% of normal or less (stage 5 chronic kidney disease, also called kidney failure), waste and fluid build up in the body. The decision to start dialysis is made with your nephrologist, based on your symptoms and blood tests, not on a single number.
How does it work?
In haemodialysis, blood passes through a filter called a dialyser, or "artificial kidney". The dialyser contains thousands of tiny hollow fibres. Waste and extra fluid pass through the fibre walls into a cleaning fluid, while blood cells and proteins, which are too large, stay in the blood. The cleaned blood returns to the body.
Who needs dialysis?
Common causes of kidney failure include:
- Diabetes, especially when poorly controlled over many years
- High blood pressure that damages the kidney's blood vessels
- Glomerulonephritis, an inflammation of the kidney filters
- Polycystic kidney disease, an inherited condition
- Long-term urinary obstruction or repeated kidney infections
The benefits of dialysis
Dialysis helps control blood pressure by removing fluid, prevents dangerous build-up of potassium, reduces symptoms such as nausea and tiredness, and improves quality of life. Many people on dialysis continue to work, travel and enjoy their usual activities.
Looking ahead
Dialysis is a serious treatment, but technology and care keep improving. Many patients live full lives on dialysis for years. Understanding your treatment and working closely with your care team are key.
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