The Side Effects on Dialysis

Almost all of dialysis patients will experience the side effects of dialysis. This article will explain the details about the side effects on dialysis.
As mentioned on other pages, dialysis patients are generally more susceptible to infection. The access point should be kept clean, and any sign of infection (redness, itching, or other problems) watched for. Peritonitis with its associated flu-like symptoms, is also a possibility. Hence the importance of cleanliness and good general hygiene. Patients on Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD) handle their catheter four or five times a day, and thus must take greater care to avoid infection. Those on night-time peritoneal dialysis with a cycler unit handle the catheter less often but must still take care to avoid contamination. Peritonitis can cause fever, nausea, vomiting and stomach pain. Patients may notice their dialysis solution looks cloudy. Treating peritonitis quickly is the key to stopping widespread infection.

Cramps, Nausea and Headaches

These flu-like symptons are sometimes experienced by hemodialysis patients. The water quality in the dialyzer, the composition of the dialyser itself, the dialysate composition, and the rate of filteration can all cause problems, which can be reduced by adjusting the dialysis perscription. However, do remember that these are also symptoms of peritonitis.

We have a separate article on muscle cramps during dialysis.

Hernias

This is another possible problem when on peritoneal dialysis. The abdominal wall muscles can be weakened by the catheter. During dialysis the solution present on the abdominal cavity presses against the abdominal wall. This can lead to a tear and organs can be pushed through the tear. Surgery to repair this is the only solution. Patients should therefore avoid undue extertions which may strain the abdominal wall muscles.

Diseases

There is a slight risk of contracting hepatitis B and hepatitis C due to the the exposure of blood during the treatment. Vacination against the B strain is generally recommended. While HIV is a risk in theory, one only person in the US (a staff member, not a patient) has been documented as contracting this disease in the last six years or so. Strict standards are imposed in dialysis centres which minimise the risks considerably.

Electrolyte Imbalance

This will almost certainly be detected via the normal blood tests conducted on dialysis patients. There are a variety of vital electrolytes (ionic species) in the blood that control a number of bodily process and this is too general an area for discussion here.

Anemia

The red blood cell volume in dialysis patients (especially hemodialysis patients) is often lower then normal. This is due to reduced levels of the hormone erythropoietin, which is produced by the kidneys and regulates red blood cell production. Medication to treat the anemia is commonly used by dialysis patients. See the Anemia section in the main menu for more information.


There is natural treatment that can help patients to avoid dialysis. If you want to know details about the dialysis. You can talk it with our online doctor.