What is Dialysis?

What is Dialysis?
By Pierre Mouchette | Bits-n-Pieces

​If your chronic kidney disease (CKD) reaches end-stage renal disease (ESRD), also referred to as kidney failure or stage 5 CKD, the kidneys are no longer operational to filter and clean the blood like healthy kidneys normally would.  Untreated, life-threatening waste and toxins will build up in the body.  At this stage, dialysis treatment is necessary to prolong life until you can get a kidney transplant.

Suppose you have conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes.  In that case, you are at greater risk for kidney failure, meaning you can eventually require treatment like a kidney transplant or dialysis.  Dialysis will remove the excess fluid from the body, helping to control blood pressure.  Working with your doctor to control blood sugar and blood pressure may help keep your kidneys working longer.

Doctors use several kidney function tests to determine kidney health.  Most people begin dialysis treatment with a GFR of <15, meaning they have lost about 85 to 90 percent of their kidney function.  Early diagnosis of CKD and regular monitoring may help you keep your kidneys functioning for as long as possible and allow you and your doctor to plan for ESRD treatment when necessary.