Hemodialysis
Treatment for Kidney Failure
Introduction to hemodialysis
Hemodialysis is the most common method used to treat advanced and permanent
kidney failure. Since the 1960s, when hemodialysis first became a practical
treatment for kidney failure, we've learned much about how to make hemodialysis
treatments more effective and minimize side effects. In recent years, more
compact and simpler dialysis machines have made home dialysis increasingly
attractive. But even with better procedures and equipment, hemodialysis is still
a complicated and inconvenient therapy that requires a coordinated effort from
your whole health care team, including your nephrologist, dialysis nurse,
dialysis technician, dietitian, and social worker. The most important members of
your health care team are you and your family. By learning about your treatment,
you can work with your health care team to give yourself the best possible
results, and you can lead a full, active life.
When Your Kidneys Fail
Healthy kidneys clean your blood by removing excess fluid, minerals, and
wastes. They also make hormones that keep your bones strong and your blood
healthy. When your kidneys fail, harmful wastes build up in your body, your
blood pressure may rise, and your body may retain excess fluid and not make
enough red blood cells. When this happens, you need treatment to replace the
work of your failed kidneys.
Next: How Hemodialysis Works »
- hydroxyzine, Vistaril, Atarax - Specifies the medication hydroxyzine (Vistaril, Atarax), a drug used for the relief of nasal and non-nasal symptoms of various allergic conditions such as seasonal allergic rhinitis.
- Hemoglobin - Read about hemoglobin - the protein molecule in red blood cells. Learn what normal, low, and high level hemoglobin counts mean on MedicineNet.com
- Kidney Failure - Learn about kidney failure, in which the body has fluid retention, risen blood pressure, toxin build up and lack of red blood cells. Symptoms include fatigue, nausea, and apetite loss.
Latest Medical News
Specialty RSS
