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What are the types of kidney failure?Kidney Failure is of two types:
- Acute Kidney failure which is caused due to sudden impairment of renal function marked by low blood volume, exposure to toxins, prostrate enlargement, insult and injury kidney.
- Chronic kidney disease occurs when one suffers from gradual and usually permanent loss of kidney function over time. This happens gradually from months to years.
The signs and symptoms of kidney failure include a decrease in urine output, fluid retention, swelling, drowsiness, shortness of breath, fatigue, and in severe cases, chest pain, seizure, or coma. Fluid retention is the most noticeable sign of kidney failure, and swelling of the feet, ankles, or legs as a result of the fluid build-up is generally obvious.
How to diagnose Kidney Failure?
Blood test will show whether the kidneys are removing waste efficiently .The doctor should order tests to measure serum creatinine .Having too much creatinine in your blood is a sign that you have kidney damage. Another sign is the proteinuria or protein in your urine.
What are the treatment options for Kidney Failure?
Once physicians diagnose end stage renal disease, they must make a plan for dialysis. There are two types of dialysis;
Hemodialysis: A procedure that uses a machine and a dialyser to clean and filter the blood, since the kidneys can no longer perform that function. A connection from the machine is made to the patient's bloodstream and the blood travels through the dialyser where it is cleaned for 2–4 hours. This procedure is generally performed three times a week.
Peritoneal dialysis: Another option for patients with kidney failure. In this procedure, the patient's own abdominal lining (the peritoneal membrane) is used to help clean the blood. In this process, a fluid is transferred through a special tube (catheter) directly into the abdominal region. The catheter remains in the body. The numbers of treatments and time to perform the cleansing procedures vary.
The patient in consultation with a doctor has to choose which dialysis treatment is best suited for him. Moreover, it is possible to switch from one type of dialysis to the other if preferences or conditions change over time.
Earlier there was a misconception that eventually a patient suffering from kidney failure has to undergo kidney transplant. But now a days, with ‘Quality Dialysis’ people can be on HD or PD throughout his life span. But the long waiting time for a perfect donor, chances of organ rejection are some of the reasons which make dialysis treatment an inevitable option. Hence it is very important to choose the right kind of dialysis equipments and treatment which ensures a good quality both during and after the dialysis and also reducing the risk of side effects.
Dhruv Chaturvedi: The author is the General Manager of Fresenius Medical Care in India, the global leaders of Quality dialysis services and products. He can be reached at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
