Content
Hemodialysis is a type of treatment that aims to promote the filtration of blood when the kidneys are not working properly, promoting the elimination of excess toxins, minerals and liquids.
This treatment should be indicated by the nephrologist and is usually performed on people who have kidney failure, and should be performed at the hospital or at hemodialysis clinics. The time and frequency of dialysis sessions can vary according to the severity of the renal impairment, and 4-hour sessions may be indicated 3 to 4 times a week.
What is it for
Hemodialysis is done according to the nephrologist's guidance and aims to filter the blood, eliminating toxic substances, such as urea, and excess mineral salts, such as sodium and potassium, and filtering the body's excess water.
This treatment can be indicated in case of acute renal failure, in which there is a sudden failure of the kidneys temporarily, or also in cases of chronic renal failure, in which the kidney functions need to be permanently replaced. Understand what kidney failure is and how to identify symptoms.
How it works
Hemodialysis is done using a device called a dialyzer, through which blood circulates and passes through a filter whose function is to eliminate substances that are circulating in excess that can be harmful to the body. This is possible due to the presence of a specific membrane that is responsible for exercising this function.
The blood that will be filtered out comes through a catheter, which is inserted into the blood vessels. After filtration, clean blood, without toxins and with less fluids, returns to the bloodstream through another catheter.
In people who need hemodialysis frequently, it is possible to have a small surgery, which joins a vein to an artery, forming an arteriovenous fistula, which becomes a vessel with a high blood flow and high resistance to repeated punctures, facilitating the procedure .
Is hemodialysis done for life?
In cases where there is chronic kidney failure, where the kidneys are no longer functioning properly, hemodialysis can be maintained for life or until a kidney transplant is performed.
However, in cases where there is a temporary loss of function, such as in the case of acute renal failure, infections, drug intoxication or cardiac complications, fewer hemodialysis sessions may be necessary until the kidneys return to normal functioning.
Who does hemodialysis need to take medicine?
Hemodialysis does not completely replace kidney function and, in addition, some vitamins are lost during dialysis. Therefore, the nephrologist may recommend treatment with replacement of calcium, vitamin D, iron, erythropoietin and antihypertensives, which is indicated to help control blood pressure.
In addition, it is necessary that the person be careful with their food, controlling the consumption of fluids, salts and correctly choosing the types of food consumed on a daily basis, since hemodialysis has a scheduled day and time, and therefore , it is important that the person is also accompanied by a nutritionist.
Therefore, it is also recommended to follow up with a nutritionist. Check out some tips on hemodialysis feeding.
Complications of hemodialysis
In most hemodialysis sessions the patient will not experience any discomfort, however it is possible that some people will experience some discomfort while undergoing hemodialysis, such as:
- Headache;
- Cramps;
- Drop in blood pressure;
- Allergic reactions;
- Vomiting;
- Chills;
- Imbalance of blood electrolytes;
- Convulsions;
In addition, there may be a loss of the fistula, in which blood flow is obstructed. To prevent this from happening, it is recommended to take some precautions such as not checking the pressure, not drawing blood or applying medication to the arm with the fistula.
If bruises appear on the spot, it is advisable to make ice packs on the day and warm packs on the following days. In addition, if it is noticed that the flow in the fistula is reduced, it is necessary to contact the doctor or nurse that accompanies it, as it is a sign of malfunction.