Dialysis Information

The body is composed of a number of intricate systems that must work together to maintain functionality. Unfortunately, with time and disease, many of the different systems of the body begin to experience dysfunction. While there are a number of different external treatments designed to provide help for individuals who experience organ disease or malfunction, dialysis is one of the most common. Individuals who have been encouraged to receive dialysis therapy should have a solid understanding of the procedure before starting treatment. Identifying who needs dialysis, selecting a safe dialysis center, and determining potential alternatives to dialysis can also be beneficial for people who are considering this type of treatment.

What is Dialysis?

As stated above, having a solid understanding of dialysis is essential for individuals who have been encouraged to
receive this therapy. According to the National Kidney Foundation, dialysis is a therapy designed to remove excessive salt, water, and waste by-products from the body. It is also intended to keep the levels of certain chemicals, such as potassium, sodium, and bicarbonate, in an acceptable range. Finally, receiving dialysis therapy can be an effective way to maintain safe blood pressure levels.

Who Needs Dialysis?

In the healthy body, the kidneys are responsible for many of the jobs listed above. It should come as no surprise, then, that individuals who experience kidney disease are most likely to be referred for dialysis treatments. While dialysis may be recommended on occasion for people with any stage of kidney disease, those who have been diagnosed with end-stage kidney failure are most likely to require the treatment on a regular basis. In certain cases, patients who have experienced physical damage to their kidneys-such as that which may occur during a car accident-may also be encouraged to seek short-term dialysis therapy.

Choosing a Safe Dialysis Center

As with other forms of outpatient therapies, finding a high quality dialysis center is considered by many patients to be a must. Traditionally, patients who have been diagnosed with end-stage kidney failure can expect to be referred to a specific dialysis center by their primary or renal physician. Before agreeing to on-going therapy, however, patients may want to do some research into the facility to which they have been referred. Talking to dialysis center administrators can be an effective way to learn more about the quality of care provided by a specific facility. While this can be a time consuming procedure, it is essential for those who want to ensure a positive outcome.

Alternatives to Dialysis

As with many other therapies, there are a number of options available to individuals who are not interested in participating in dialysis treatments. Kidney transplant, for example, is considered by most health care experts to be the most effective alternative to dialysis therapy. In certain situations, patients may be able to manage end-stage kidney failure with prescription medications alone. It is important to note, however, that patients who do not receive some type of medical or physical therapy for the management of kidney failure will likely experience a shortened life expectancy.

For more information on dialysis, please visit this site.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=BJ_Jeffries