Chronic Kidney Disease Can Be Managed Effectively with Hemodialysis

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There are effective treatment options available for patients with kidney disease that allow them to live safely, happily, and with a quality of life comparable to that of healthy individuals. When patients are first diagnosed with kidney disease—especially at the stage of chronic kidney failure—they often feel distressed, hopeless, and discouraged. However, advances in modern medicine provide effective ways to manage kidney disease and support patients in leading fulfilling lives.

One of the most effective renal replacement therapies is dialysis. When patients and their families understand the principles of dialysis and participate actively in the treatment process, the effectiveness of care can be significantly improved.

Key Principles for Effective Dialysis Treatment

Understanding the Disease and Treatment

Patients with chronic kidney failure and their family members must first understand that chronic kidney failure occurs when the kidneys are permanently damaged and can no longer perform their normal functions. As a result, renal replacement therapy is required to sustain life.

Dialysis is a lifelong treatment and cannot be discontinued once started. However, dialysis enables patients to live longer with a good quality of life, free from severe symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, weakness, loss of appetite, and other complications associated with kidney failure.

If the goal is to stop dialysis and restore kidney function, kidney transplantation is currently the only treatment option that can replace failed kidneys.

Dialysis is not as frightening as many people imagine. It is a process in which patients lie comfortably while waste products, excess fluids, and imbalanced electrolytes are removed from the blood, and the purified blood is returned to the body. For dialysis to be effective, patients must strictly follow their doctor’s schedule—typically 2–3 sessions per week, with each session lasting approximately 4 hours. When performed regularly, patients can continue to live relatively normal lives.

Symptoms Indicating the Need to Start Dialysis

Group 1: Patients Unaware of Existing Kidney Disease

Some patients may not know they have kidney disease but experience the following symptoms:

1. Frequent urination at night

2. Foamy urine or persistent abnormalities in urine tests

3. Shortness of breath, fatigue, and prolonged loss of appetite

Even in younger individuals, persistent symptoms such as these may indicate significant kidney deterioration, and dialysis may already be necessary.

Group 2: Patients with Known Kidney Disease That Has Progressed

Patients with existing kidney disease may gradually develop symptoms indicating the need for dialysis, including:

1. Swelling (edema)

2. Fatigue

3. Pulmonary edema

4. Critically elevated levels of waste products in the blood

Many patients believe they are not in serious condition because they are still able to urinate. However, worsening swelling, increasing fatigue, and pulmonary edema indicate that the kidneys are no longer functioning adequately. Waste products continue to accumulate in the bloodstream.

If dialysis is not initiated, patients may develop nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, weakness, abdominal bloating, and in severe cases, seizures. Electrolyte imbalances and metabolic acidosis often occur and are frequently associated with dangerously high blood pressure due to excessive fluid and electrolyte retention. Blood pressure that was previously around 140–160 mmHg may rise to 200 mmHg or higher. When high blood pressure is accompanied by swelling, fatigue, and new or worsening symptoms, it strongly suggests that dialysis is urgently required.

Online Blood Purification for Greater Efficiency

In addition to standard hemodialysis, there is a more advanced and efficient blood purification method known as Online Hemodiafiltration (Online HDF).

This technology offers several advantages, including:

• More effective removal of waste products

• Reduced inflammation

• Better preservation of blood vessels

• Lower risk of cardiovascular disease

Statistics show that many patients with kidney disease ultimately suffer complications related to reduced blood supply to the heart. Online Hemodiafiltration also helps maintain a healthier skin tone—often referred to as “non-darkening dialysis”—because it removes waste products more efficiently than conventional dialysis, which may cause skin darkening over time.

The term “online” refers to real-time monitoring, where patient data is displayed on a screen during treatment. This allows medical staff to perform dialysis more accurately, safely, and efficiently.

Living Well with Chronic Kidney Disease

Chronic kidney disease is treatable, and patients can live long lives with minimal suffering if they maintain hope and receive appropriate dialysis treatment. The key to restoring motivation lies in open communication, listening to medical advice, and strictly adhering to the treatment plan.

Equally important is the support of family members, who play a vital role in encouraging ongoing and appropriate care. With proper treatment, understanding, and support, patients can enjoy a high quality of life and continue to live according to their wishes.

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