People who have kidney failure, also known as end-stage renal disease (ESRD), may need dialysis. Dialysis becomes necessary when the kidneys are no longer able to effectively filter waste products and excess fluids from the blood.
Causes of Kidney Failure
Several factors can lead to kidney failure, making dialysis a necessary treatment:
- High Blood Pressure: Over time, high blood pressure can damage the blood vessels in the kidneys, impairing their function.
- Diabetes: High blood sugar levels, a hallmark of diabetes, can also damage the kidneys' filtering units.
- Lupus: This autoimmune disease can cause inflammation and damage to various organs, including the kidneys.
- Other Conditions: Injuries and various other conditions can also contribute to kidney disease.
- Unknown Reasons: In some cases, individuals develop kidney problems without a clear identifiable cause.
Why Dialysis is Needed
When the kidneys fail, waste products and excess fluids build up in the body. This can lead to a range of symptoms and complications, including:
- Swelling
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- High blood pressure
- Heart problems
Dialysis helps to remove these waste products and excess fluids, restoring the body's chemical balance and alleviating symptoms. It acts as an artificial kidney, performing the functions that the failing kidneys can no longer handle.
