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Dialysis
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Kidneys Urinary System

Dialysis

When kidneys fail, dialysis serves as a vital treatment to replace the organ's function of filtering blood and removing waste.

Overview

When your kidneys are healthy, they clean your blood and produce hormones that keep your bones strong and your blood healthy. When your kidneys fail, you need treatment to replace the work your kidneys used to do. Unless you have a kidney transplant, you will need a treatment called dialysis.

Types of Dialysis

There are two main types of dialysis. Both types filter your blood to rid your body of harmful wastes, extra salt, and water:

  • Hemodialysis uses a machine, sometimes called an artificial kidney. You usually go to a special clinic for treatments several times a week.
  • Peritoneal dialysis uses the lining of your abdomen, called the peritoneal membrane, to filter your blood.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dietary management is crucial because dialysis does not remove all waste products and fluids as efficiently as healthy kidneys. Patients must strictly limit potassium and phosphorus intake to prevent dangerous heart rhythms and bone disease, often avoiding high-potassium foods like bananas, potatoes, and tomatoes. Sodium intake must be controlled to manage blood pressure and fluid retention, which can cause swelling and shortness of breath. Fluid intake is also often restricted to match the amount of urine produced plus the fluid removed during dialysis, preventing overload between treatments.
djustment to dialysis varies, but many patients experience fatigue, nausea, cramping, and headaches during the first few weeks as their bodies adapt to the new treatment rhythm. This period, often called the "dialysis adjustment phase," can last from a few weeks to several months. It is common to feel tired after sessions, especially with hemodialysis, due to the rapid removal of fluid and waste. Working closely with your dialysis team to adjust medication timing, dietary habits, and treatment duration can help minimize these side effects and improve comfort levels over time.
Hemodialysis typically requires three to four sessions per week, each lasting four to five hours, usually at a clinic or in a home setting with a machine. This rigid schedule can make it challenging to maintain a full-time job or travel spontaneously. Peritoneal dialysis, on the other hand, is performed daily at home, often overnight using an automated cycler, which allows for greater flexibility and a more normal daily routine. However, it requires strict hygiene practices to prevent infection and involves managing supplies and waste disposal at home. The best choice depends on your personal health, lifestyle preferences, and support system.
Yes, travel is possible but requires careful planning. For hemodialysis patients, you must coordinate with dialysis centers at your destination to ensure they can accommodate your schedule and have the necessary equipment. For peritoneal dialysis patients, you need to ensure you have enough supplies for the trip and a clean, private space to perform treatments. It is essential to inform your nephrologist and dialysis team well in advance to arrange for care continuity, obtain any necessary medical documentation, and plan for emergency care in case of complications while away from your primary treatment location.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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