You will be recommended to have dialysis once your kidneys can not work
normally. As an auxiliary therapy, dialysis can help people discharge the
excessive wastes out of their body. There are mainly two types of dialysis which
are hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. However, dialysis can bring a lot of
side effects which patients can not ignore.
Infection
Infection is one of the most common side effects of dialysis. Dialysis will
involve tubes within the body to allow for the drainage and filtration of excess
fluids and waste. Generally, patients will have to undergo dialysis various
times a week. The high frequency of dialysis treatments will further increase
the risk of developing an infection. While if the infection occurs, vomiting,
fever, pain in stomach, and body aches will present. Some patients can also
suffer from inflammation or irritation of the skin at the site when the tube is
inserted into the body. At this time, antibiotic medications are often needed to
deal with.
Poor nutrition
A lot of patients will be confused of what is a proper diet when they are
undergoing dialysis. In fact, it is quite difficult to decide. The dialysis
solution in the stomach will make them feel full. While less food intake will
translate into poor nutrition. The body can also absorb sugar in the dialysis
solution when they are having dialysis. As for this condition, you should
consult your doctor or dietitian to make a dialysis diet plan for you.
Hypotension
Your blood pressure might have a sudden drop when you are undergoing
dialysis. That is because the stress the cardiovascular system. Patients should
take certain drugs to control it under your doctor’s guidance.
Itchy skin
You may suffer from itchy skin if you are undergoing dialysis. This is mainly
caused by the toxins in your body can not be discharged out of the body
completely. Your skin will be easy to be infected if you scratch it
persistently.
Besides the above side effects, anemia, electrolyte imbalance, cramps,
nausea, and headaches are also the side effects when patients are undergoing
dialysis.
