The kidneys help filter waste and control other functions of your body. When the kidneys fail, treatment is needed to restore normal functioning of the body. You have some options for treating the kidneys:

Hemodialysis – This involves a machine that filters blood outside the body.

Peritoneal Dialysis – This involves the use of a lining from the stomach that filters blood inside the body.

Kidney transplant – This involves replacing a failing kidney with a good kidney from a donor.

The basic function of the kidney is to remove excess fluid, minerals and waste from the blood and clean it. The kidneys are also responsible for making hormones that strengthen your bones as well as keep the blood healthy. Kidney failure can greatly affect the normal functioning of your body. Harmful wastes can form, blood pressure can rise significantly, the body retains excess fluid and will not be able to produce enough red blood cells.

Let’s take a look at all three treatment options:

Hemodialysis:

A machine is used to temporarily flush out harmful wastes and excess salt in the body. This in turn helps a lot in preventing blood pressure from rising. It also helps to balance other important chemicals in your body such as potassium, sodium, calcium and bicarbonate.

The side effects of this treatment are infections, blockages that can be caused by blood clots and poor blood flow. Muscle spasms and hypotension that cause a sudden drop in blood pressure are some of the other side effects. These side effects can be avoided with proper diet and medication as directed by your doctor.

peritoneal dialysis:

The lining from your stomach or stomach is used to filter waste from the blood. This lining is also known as peritoneal membrane. It very artificially acts as an artificial kidney and removes excess water and salts from the body.

The most common side effect of this kidney treatment is peritonitis which is a serious stomach infection. The opening where the catheter enters your body is infected. It can however be treated if informed to the doctor immediately.

kidney transplant:

Replacing a surgically damaged kidney with a healthy one is known as a kidney transplant. A kidney transplant requires a doctor for blood type, human leukocyte antigens and cross matching antigens.

Kidney transplantation is considered the closest to a treatment. The new kidney should be a perfect match for replacement. Well, even though technically a donor kidney is a perfect match, there is a possibility that the body may reject your new kidney. The most common reason for this is not taking the prescribed medicine. These drugs are used to stop your body’s immune system to attack the new kidney as a foreign body.