What is a Dialysis: Types, How It Works, Procedure & Side Effects

Kidneys play a vital role in keeping the body healthy by filtering waste, excess fluids, and toxins from the blood. When the kidneys stop working properly, harmful substances can build up and affect overall health. Dialysis is a medical treatment that helps perform the function of the kidneys when they can no longer do so effectively. It is often required for people with advanced kidney disease or kidney failure. In this blog, we discuss what dialysis is, its types, procedure, and possible side effects allows patients and caregivers to make informed decisions.

What is a Dialysis?

Dialysis is a medical treatment that helps remove waste products, excess fluids, and toxins from the blood when the kidneys are no longer able to function properly. Healthy kidneys perform this task naturally, but conditions like chronic kidney disease or kidney failure can reduce their ability to filter blood effectively. Dialysis supports the body by maintaining a proper balance of fluids and electrolytes, which is essential for normal body functions.

This treatment does not cure kidney disease, but it helps manage symptoms and improves quality of life. Doctors recommend dialysis based on kidney function levels, symptoms, and overall health.

Understanding why dialysis is needed helps patients prepare mentally and follow treatment plans with confidence.

Types of Dialysis

Dialysis is mainly classified into two types, based on how and where the blood is filtered. The choice depends on medical condition, lifestyle, and the doctor’s advice.

Hemodialysis

Hemodialysis is the most common type of dialysis. In this method, blood is removed from the body and passed through a dialysis machine that filters out waste and excess fluid. The cleaned blood is then returned to the body. This procedure is usually done in a hospital or dialysis centre, typically two to three times a week, with each session lasting several hours.

Peritoneal Dialysis

Peritoneal dialysis uses the lining of the abdomen, called the peritoneum, as a natural filter. A special fluid is introduced into the abdominal cavity through a catheter, which absorbs waste and extra fluids before being drained out. This type of dialysis is often done at home and offers more flexibility in daily routine, making it suitable for some patients.

Dialysis Procedure

The dialysis procedure helps patients feel more prepared, confident, and informed about what to expect during each treatment session.

Step 1: Medical Evaluation and Preparation

Before starting dialysis, doctors assess kidney function, overall health, and medical history. Blood tests, imaging, and physical examinations are done to decide the most suitable dialysis type. Patients receive guidance on diet, fluids, and medications. Proper preparation ensures the procedure is safe, effective, and tailored to individual health needs.

Step 2: Creating Dialysis Access

A safe access point is essential for dialysis. For hemodialysis, a fistula or graft is created surgically to allow blood flow to and from the machine. In peritoneal dialysis, a catheter is placed in the abdomen. This step is crucial for effective treatment and usually requires healing time before regular sessions begin.

Step 3: Dialysis Session Begins

During hemodialysis, blood flows through a machine that removes waste, extra salts, and fluids before returning it to the body. In peritoneal dialysis, cleansing fluid is introduced and drained from the abdomen. Each session is carefully monitored to maintain stable blood pressure and comfort throughout the procedure.

Step 4: Monitoring During Treatment

Healthcare professionals closely monitor vital signs, fluid levels, and symptoms during dialysis. Any discomfort, dizziness, or changes in blood pressure are addressed immediately. Regular monitoring ensures the body responds well to treatment and helps prevent complications, making the process safer and more effective for the patient.

Step 5: Post-Dialysis Care and Recovery

After dialysis, patients may feel tired and need rest. Doctors review treatment results and adjust schedules, diet, or medications if required. Proper hydration, balanced nutrition, and follow-up visits help maintain overall health. Consistent post-dialysis care supports long-term well-being and better quality of life.

Side Effects of Dialysis

Dialysis supports life when kidneys fail, but it can also cause certain physical and emotional side effects. These effects vary by individual and dialysis type.

Fatigue and Weakness

Many people feel extremely tired after dialysis sessions. The procedure removes waste and excess fluid, which can temporarily lower energy levels. Frequent hospital visits and disrupted routines may also contribute to ongoing physical exhaustion.

Low Blood Pressure

A sudden drop in blood pressure can occur during or after dialysis, especially when excess fluid is removed quickly. This may cause dizziness, nausea, blurred vision, or fainting, making post treatment rest essential.

Muscle Cramps

Muscle cramps often affect the legs and feet during dialysis. Rapid changes in fluid and electrolyte levels strain muscles, causing painful tightening. Adjusting fluid removal speed and maintaining proper nutrition can help reduce cramps.

Risk of Infection

Dialysis requires regular access to the bloodstream, which increases infection risk. Poor hygiene, catheter care issues, or weakened immunity can lead to serious infections, requiring immediate medical attention and sometimes hospitalisation.

Emotional and Mental Stress

Living with dialysis can impact mental health. Anxiety, frustration, and feelings of dependency are common due to lifestyle changes. Emotional support, counselling, and family involvement help patients cope better over time.

When Dialysis Is Needed?

Dialysis becomes necessary when the kidneys can no longer remove waste, excess fluid, and toxins effectively from the blood.

Advanced Chronic Kidney Disease

Dialysis is required when chronic kidney disease reaches an advanced stage, usually stage five. At this point, kidney function drops below safe levels, causing toxin buildup, fluid retention, and severe symptoms that medicines alone cannot control.

Sudden Kidney Failure

Acute kidney injury caused by severe infections, dehydration, trauma, or medication reactions may require temporary dialysis. It supports the body while the kidneys recover and helps stabilise electrolyte levels, blood pressure, and waste removal during critical illness.

Persistent Fluid Overload

When kidneys fail to remove excess fluid, swelling in the legs, lungs, or abdomen can occur. Dialysis helps eliminate extra fluid, easing breathing difficulty, reducing strain on the heart, and preventing life-threatening complications.

Dangerous Electrolyte Imbalance

High potassium or abnormal sodium levels can disrupt heart rhythm and muscle function. Dialysis is recommended when these imbalances cannot be corrected through diet or medication, reducing the risk of cardiac emergencies.

Severe Uremic Symptoms

Dialysis becomes essential when waste buildup causes symptoms like nausea, vomiting, confusion, loss of appetite, itching, or difficulty concentrating. These signs indicate toxins affecting multiple organs and signal the need for immediate renal support.

Final Thoughts

Dialysis plays a life-saving role when the kidneys can no longer perform their essential functions. Whether required due to chronic kidney disease or sudden kidney failure, timely dialysis helps remove toxins, manage fluid balance, and stabilise vital electrolytes. Understanding when dialysis is needed empowers patients and families to seek medical care early, reducing complications and improving quality of life.

Managing kidney disease also brings long-term medical expenses, frequent hospital visits, and ongoing monitoring. In such situations, having reliable health insurance becomes crucial. At Niva Bupa, we offer health insurance that covers hospitalisation costs, dialysis procedures, and related treatments, easing financial stress during an already challenging time. With the right medical support and financial protection, patients can focus more on recovery, routine care, and maintaining a better standard of living.

FAQ

1. What does dialysis do for the body?

Dialysis helps the body remove waste products, excess salts, and fluids from the blood when the kidneys are unable to perform these functions effectively. 

2. Who commonly needs dialysis?

People with advanced chronic kidney disease, kidney failure, or sudden kidney injury due to infection, diabetes, or high blood pressure often require dialysis.

3. How do doctors decide when dialysis should start?

Doctors assess kidney function, symptoms, blood test results, fluid retention, and overall health before recommending dialysis treatment.

4. Can dialysis replace kidney function completely?

Dialysis replaces some kidney functions but cannot perform all roles, such as hormone production and long-term metabolic regulation.

5. What is hemodialysis?

Hemodialysis filters blood through a machine outside the body, removing waste and returning clean blood through a vascular access point.

6. What is peritoneal dialysis?

Peritoneal dialysis uses the lining of the abdomen to filter blood by introducing and draining cleansing fluid through a catheter.

7. How often is dialysis required?

Most patients need dialysis multiple times per week, depending on the type of dialysis and the severity of kidney failure.

8. Are there risks associated with dialysis?

Yes, risks include infections, low blood pressure, muscle cramps, fatigue, and access site complications, which require regular monitoring.

9. Can dialysis patients travel?

Dialysis patients can travel with planning. Many centres allow temporary transfers, and home dialysis offers greater flexibility.

10. Does dialysis affect daily activities?

Dialysis may cause fatigue, but many patients continue working, exercising lightly, and managing daily routines with proper care.

11. Is dialysis safe during pregnancy?

Dialysis during pregnancy requires specialised care and frequent monitoring, but can be managed safely under expert medical supervision.

12. What lifestyle changes are needed with dialysis?

Patients may need dietary restrictions, fluid control, medication adherence, and regular follow-ups to maintain overall health.

13. Can dialysis be stopped once started?

Dialysis may be stopped if kidney function improves or after a successful kidney transplant, based on medical evaluation.

14. Is dialysis covered under health insurance?

Many comprehensive health insurance plans, including Niva Bupa Health Insurance, provide coverage for dialysis and related hospitalisation costs.

15. When should someone seek immediate medical help during dialysis?

Immediate medical attention is needed for chest pain, severe weakness, fever, access site infection, or sudden changes in blood pressure.