GC: n
S: NKF – https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/dialysisinfo (last access: 13 December 2014). MAYO – http://www.mayoclinic.org/search/search-results?q=dialysis (last access: 13 December 2014). MNT – http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/152902.php (last access: 13 December 2014). KID – http://www.kidney.org.au/ForPatients/Treatmentoptions/tabid/604/Default.aspx (last access: 13 December 2014).
N: 1. 1580s, from Latin, from Greek dialysis “dissolution, separation” (of the disbanding of troops, a divorce, etc.), from dialyein “dissolve, separate,” from dia- “apart” + lyein “loosen” (see lose). Used originally in logic and grammar; chemistry sense is first recorded 1861, medicine 1914. Related: Dialytic.
2. Dialysis is the artificial process of eliminating waste (diffusion) and unwanted water (ultrafiltration) from the blood. Our kidneys do this naturally. Some people, however, may have failed or damaged kidneys which cannot carry out the function properly – they may need dialysis. In other words, dialysis is the artificial replacement for lost kidney function (renal replacement therapy).
3. Approximately 1,500 liters of blood are filtered by a healthy person’s kidneys each day. We could not live if waste products were not removed from our kidneys. People whose kidneys either do not work properly or not at all experience a buildup of waste in their blood. Without dialysis the amount of waste products in the blood would increase and eventually reach levels that would cause coma and death. Dialysis is also used to rapidly remove toxins or drugs from the blood.
4. There are two main types of dialysis. Both types filter your blood to rid your body of harmful wastes, extra salt, and water.
- Hemodialysis uses a machine. It is sometimes called an artificial kidney. You usually go to a special clinic for treatments several times a week.
- Peritoneal dialysis uses the lining of your abdomen, called the peritoneal membrane, to filter your blood.
5. There are different side effects for haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis, but both types can make you feel exhausted. Haemodialysis can also cause itchy skin and muscle cramps, while a common side effect of peritoneal dialysis is infection of the peritoneum with bacteria (peritonitis). For people receiving haemodialysis, the risk of developing an infection is lower, but if it does occur it tends to be more serious.
6. In individuals with chronic kidney disease, the build up of urea and other waste products in the blood (uremia) leads to several symptoms such as vomiting, itching, swelling of the feet, legs and body and extreme weakness. If left untreated, symptoms can be severe and the uremia may even lead to death. In the case of chronic renal failure, the kidneys do not improve and people need dialysis for the rest of their lives, unless they are a suitable candidate for kidney transplant. Some cases of acute kidney disease, however, can be treated and dialysis may only be required in the short term.
S: 1. OED – http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?allowed_in_frame=0&search=dialysis&searchmode=none (last access: 13 December 2014). 2 & 3. MNT – http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/152902.php (last access: 13 December 2014). 4. MEDLP – http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/dialysis.html (last access: 13 December 2014). 5. NHS – http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dialysis/Pages/Introduction.aspx (last access: 13 December 2014). 6. NMN – http://www.news-medical.net/health/What-is-Dialysis.aspx (last access: 13 December 2014).
SYN: renal dialysis
S: ABOUT – http://dying.about.com/od/glossary/g/dialysis_def.htm (last access: 13 December 2014)
CR: creatinine
