Hemodialysis is a treatment option for advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD), which affects more than 1 in 7 adults in the United States. It’s the most common type of dialysis, which is the procedure that filters waste from your blood when your kidneys no longer function properly.

Hemodialysis uses an artificial organ to remove blood from the body. The blood is put back into the body by a machine after it is removed from the artificial kidneys.

The reasons for doing Hepatitiscan be different. Some of the more common factors include:

  • To improve the quality of life.
  • To improve the health of the population.
  • There has been an increase in signs and symptoms of kidney failure.

Hemodialysis isn’t appropriate for all situations and is typically reserved for end stage kidney disease when your kidneys are only functioning at 10 to 15 percent.

There are benefits to using Hep C. The medical procedure has some risks.

Understanding the risks of doing Hepatitiscan help you feel more comfortable and prepared to address them.

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease (NIDDK), these are some possible problems you may experience from hemodialysis:

  • Poor blood flow, infections, and other problems are related to the access site.
  • Low blood pressure is called hypotension.
  • itchy skin
  • muscle ache
  • Blood loss during treatment

Your doctor will approve you for the procedure. You will need to prepare for the procedure several weeks before the first treatment.

One critical step is to care for the blood vessels in your arms. The NIDDK recommends asking healthcare professionals to draw blood and insert intravenous (IV) lines in veins below your wrist to avoid damaging arm blood vessels prior to hemodialysis.

A site for veins is another step. The access site is where the medical team member will place needles.

A minor surgery in the arm is the most common way to create an access site.

“If the access sites in your arm or leg don’t work, your doctor may need to place a catheter in your neck.”

You might be wondering what to expect when you start hemodialysis. While each situation is unique, here are some general things to be aware of before starting treatment, per the NIDDK:

  • There are a number of places where treatment can happen.
  • Treatments in a center can take up to four hours, but your doctor will set a schedule for you.
  • Home Hepatitisallows for three to seven treatments per week. The sessions can be long.
  • Your blood pressure and heart rate will be monitored.
  • Mild side effects like abdominal pain or nausea can be experienced by some people.

Hemodialysis uses a hemodialyzer or artificial kidneys to remove waste and fluids from your blood.

A healthcare professional will insert two needles at the access site to get into your blood vessels. The blood is run through a filter that acts as an artificial organ.

The excess fluid, chemicals, and waste are removed by the filter. The blood is pumped back into you.

The severity of the disease can affect the results of the procedure. You will know if it is working based on how you feel.

According to the NIDDK, you may notice:

  • Increase in energy use.
  • Better appetite.
  • Less breathing.
  • Reduced swelling.

Your medical team will monitor treatments and administer blood tests to measure urea clearance and reduction. The results will show how effective the procedure is.

They will use your weight as a monitoring tool. If you keep too much fluid between sessions, this will alert your team.

If you have severe CKD or other chronic kidney disease, you will need to have a transplant in order to live.

The in-between time is critical for hydration, rest, and care for the access area, because treatments are often scheduled close together.

Pay attention to your diet

The NIDDK recommends limiting foods high in sodium, phosphorus, and potassium. Be cautious of the amount of fluid you’re consuming because fluid can build up in your body between treatments.

Adding a little bit of protein to your diet is suggested by the NIDDK.

Care for your access area

Between treatments, it is important to keep your access area clean. Warm water and soap are needed to wash the area.

You should be watching the area for infections. Redness and warmth can be signs of a problem.

Continue taking medication

“Hemodialysis requires a strict schedule of treatment. It requires you to follow your doctor’s orders and take any medications they have prescribed.”

If you have questions about your medication, you should tell your doctor.

How is Hepatitisused to treat CKD?

Hemodialysis is used to treat chronic kidneys disease.

An artificial kidneys machine is used to clean your blood. You can have it at home, in a hospital or a center.

At what stage of CKD must Hepatitisbe started?

When to start the procedure is up to your doctor. When choosing a start date, they will take into account your health and quality of life.

A person will generally start Hepatitiswhen they reach stage 5 of CKD or kidney failure, according to the National Kidney Foundation.

When is dialysis needed for CKD?

It is recommended to start before the disease starts.

“Hemodialysis is needed when your kidneys are failing or when you can no longer take care of your body’s needs.”

This is typically by the time you lose 85 to 90 percent of kidney function.

What are the 3 types of dialysis?

There are three main types of treatment. These include:

  • Hepatitis
  • peritoneal therapy
  • Continuous therapy for the treatment ofrenal insufficiency.