Dialysis awareness for patients
Informed by recognized medical guidance
Overview
Dialysis is a medical treatment that does some of the work your kidneys normally do when they stop working properly. It helps remove waste, salt, and extra water from your blood, and keeps safe levels of certain chemicals like potassium and sodium in your body.
Key facts
- Dialysis is not a cure, but it is a life-sustaining treatment for kidney failure.
- There are two main types of dialysis: hemodialysis (done at a center or home) and peritoneal dialysis (done at home).
- Dialysis treatments are usually needed several times a week, with each session lasting a few hours.
Dialysis is a common treatment for people with advanced or end-stage kidney disease. Many people around the world rely on dialysis to stay alive.
Dialysis affects people of all ages whose kidneys have lost most of their function, often due to conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or glomerulonephritis.
Symptoms
- Sudden chest pain or pressure
- Difficulty breathing that doesn't improve
- Losing consciousness or fainting
- ⚠Severe swelling that does not go down
- ⚠Severe nausea or vomiting that prevents eating or drinking
- ⚠Sudden confusion or marked drowsiness
Common symptoms
- Feeling very tired or weak
- Swelling in the feet, ankles, or hands (edema)
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea or vomiting
- Confusion or trouble thinking clearly
- Decreased urine output
Symptoms in children
- Poor growth or weight gain
- Trouble concentrating in school
- Frequent nausea or vomiting
Symptoms in older adults
- Confusion or disorientation
- Falls or unsteadiness
- Worsening of other health conditions like heart disease
Causes
Main causes
- Chronic kidney disease (CKD) that has progressed to kidney failure
- Diabetes (high blood sugar damaging kidneys over time)
- High blood pressure (hypertension) damaging kidney blood vessels
- Glomerulonephritis (inflammation of the kidney's filtering units)
- Polycystic kidney disease (genetic disorder causing cysts in kidneys)
Risk factors
- Having diabetes or high blood pressure
- Family history of kidney disease
- Being over 60 years old
- Being of African, Hispanic, or Asian descent
- Long-term use of certain medications (like NSAIDs) without monitoring
When to see a doctor
See a doctor urgently if:
- If you have sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, or if you have missed dialysis sessions and feel very unwell
Book a routine appointment if:
- If you have been diagnosed with kidney disease and your kidney function is declining, so you can discuss dialysis options early
Diagnosis
The need for dialysis is determined by blood tests that measure kidney function, especially the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), along with symptoms of kidney failure.
Tests that may be done
- Blood tests: creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), electrolytes
- Urine tests to check for protein or blood
- Imaging tests like ultrasound or CT scan to look at kidney structure
- Kidney biopsy (rarely needed for dialysis decision)
What to expect at your appointment
If your doctor decides you need dialysis, you will be referred to a nephrologist (kidney specialist) and a dialysis center. You will learn about the two main types of dialysis (hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis), have a procedure to create an access point, and receive training and support to manage your treatment.
Treatment
Dialysis is the main treatment for kidney failure. It replaces some kidney functions but is not a cure. The two main types are hemodialysis (done at a center or at home) and peritoneal dialysis (done at home). Your doctor will help you choose the best type based on your health and lifestyle.
Self-care at home
- Keep your dialysis access site clean and dry to prevent infection
- Follow the fluid and diet restrictions given by your healthcare team
- Take all prescribed medications exactly as directed
- Attend all scheduled dialysis sessions and communicate any problems to your team
Medical treatments
In addition to dialysis, doctors may prescribe medications to control blood pressure, manage anemia (low red blood cells), and balance minerals like calcium and phosphorus. They may also adjust medicines that are removed by dialysis. Always follow your doctor's advice and never change medications without consulting them.
When is surgery considered?
You may need a small surgery to create an access point for dialysis, such as an arteriovenous (AV) fistula (connecting an artery and a vein) for hemodialysis, or to place a catheter for peritoneal dialysis.
Living with this condition
Dialysis takes time and planning. Hemodialysis usually requires 3–4 hours, 3 times a week. Peritoneal dialysis can be done overnight or during the day. You will need to adjust your schedule, diet, and fluid intake, but many people continue to work, travel, and enjoy hobbies with proper planning.
Lifestyle tips
- Plan your schedule around dialysis sessions
- Travel is possible with advance planning and coordination with dialysis centers
- Stay active with gentle exercise like walking or stretching, as recommended by your doctor
- Join a support group to share experiences with others on dialysis
Diet and exercise
Your diet will need to be carefully managed to limit salt, potassium, phosphorus, and fluids. A dietitian can help create a personalized meal plan. Gentle exercise like walking, swimming, or yoga is encouraged but check with your doctor first.
Mental health and emotional wellbeing
Dialysis can be emotionally challenging. It is normal to feel depressed, anxious, or frustrated. Talk to your healthcare team, a counselor, or a social worker. Support groups and family support can make a big difference.
Prevention
Once kidneys have failed, the need for dialysis cannot be prevented. However, managing underlying conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure can slow the progression of kidney disease and delay the need for dialysis.
Vaccines
People on dialysis should receive recommended vaccines, including flu, pneumonia, and hepatitis B, to reduce infection risk. Ask your healthcare provider which vaccines are right for you.
Screening programmes
Regular blood and urine tests for people with risk factors (like diabetes or high blood pressure) can detect kidney disease early, allowing treatments to slow its progression.
Complications
If left untreated
- Without dialysis, kidney failure can lead to dangerous buildup of waste and fluid in the body, causing seizures, coma, and death
- High potassium levels can cause life-threatening heart rhythm problems
- Severe fluid overload can lead to heart failure and difficulty breathing
Long-term outlook
With proper dialysis and medical care, many people live for years with a good quality of life. Some may eventually receive a kidney transplant, which can eliminate the need for dialysis. There is always hope, and your healthcare team is there to support you every step of the way.
Find support
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Always verify with your doctor
Health guidelines vary by country and region. The information in this article is based on international clinical guidelines but may not reflect the specific guidelines, medications, or practices in your country. Always discuss your health concerns with your own doctor or healthcare provider, and refer to your local national health guidelines where available.
Important notice This information is for educational purposes only. It does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider about your specific situation. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency services immediately.
Sources and guidance
This article is educational and is prepared with reference to recognized health information and clinical guidance sources where available. Specific source links may vary by topic.
Last updated: July 17, 2026
Educational note: This information is for education only and is not a diagnosis.
Use it to support, not replace, advice from a licensed clinician.
If symptoms are severe, worsening, or urgent, call your local emergency number or seek emergency care.