THE PHARMACIST : Filtering dialysis myths from facts

Patients with kidney diseases are on the increase recently, and the government has been incurring a lot of costs to sponsor their treatment in foreign countries, especially to India.

Those who go abroad for treatment due to kidney failure seek a permanent cure of the disease—which is Kidney Transplantation.

However, there are those who are yet to find the cure. These rely on dialysis, a form of treatment carried out to substitute the functions of a normal kidney.

Dialysis involves the removal of waste products from the blood through ‘artificial cleansing.’

For patients whose waste products in blood have reached high levels, the dialysis helps them to remain free from complications and even death.

When the level of blood urea nitrogen and creatinine in blood increase, a patient is likely to suffer complications—including confusion—a condition known medically as Uremic Syndrome.

Types of Dialysis

There are two types of dialysis—Hemodialysis and Peritoneal Dialysis.

Hemodialysis is the most common type of dialysis. It is carried out three times a week and lasts for hours. Hemodialysis is commonly done in hospitals, here in Dar es Salaam.

With, hemodialysis, blood passes from the patient’s body and through a filter which cleans the waste. The waste-free blood then returns back to the body. The whole process normally takes between 2 – 5 hours.

However, for peritoneal dialysis, it can be done at home on a daily basis. In peritoneal dialysis there is no use of an external filter, instead the body’s own tissue acts as the filter.

A special fluid is flushed into the abdominal cavity and then removed after an hour. Peritoneal dialysis is a cheaper option compared to hemodialysis.

Side-effects of Dialysis

The side effects include; Fatigue, depression, sepsis, abdominal pain and muscle cramps. Specific side effects such as itchy skin caused due to buildup of minerals during dialysis sessions, hernia caused due to the strain on abdominal muscles by holding fluid inside the peritoneal cavity and weight gain caused due to lack of regular exercise.

In case a patient experiences one or more of the above symptoms, they should contact their healthcare provider immediately.

Benefits of Dialysis

Generally, patients with renal failure who are on dialysis have an improved quality of life including better appetite, sleep and a general sense of well-being. Due to its effectiveness, dialysis causes a drastic reduction in symptoms caused by chronic renal failure.

Common Dialysis myths

•Myth: Dialysis will improve the kidneys.

Truth: Dialysis is not a cure but a treatment. Once your kidneys fail, they cannot get better.

•Myth: Dialysis is a painful process.

Truth: The only time you will feel pain is a small pinch when inserting the dialysis needles. Otherwise dialysis is a pain-free process.

•Myth: I will not be able to work when on dialysis.

Truth: Dialysis will require you to alter your schedule. However, you can still work, exercise and enjoy daily activities while on dialysis.

•Myth: I will have to stop eating all my favorite foods.

Truth: When on dialysis, you will have to make some necessary adjustments to your diet. However, you will still be able to eat some of your favorite foods.

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