Kidney Failure
What happens when your kidneys fail?
Healthy kidneys clean the blood by filtering out extra
water and wastes. They also make hormones that keep your
bones strong and blood healthy. When both of your kidneys fail, your
body holds fluid. Your blood pressure rises. Harmful wastes build up
in your body. Your body doesn't make enough red blood cells. You develop fatigue,
nausea, and
loss of appetite. When
this happens, you need treatment to replace the work of your failed
kidneys.
What are the treatments for kidney failure?
There are three options when treating kidney failure,
which will be discussed in length in the following sections:
- Hemodialysis
- Peritoneal dialysis
- Kidney transplant