Causes of Dialysis

Causes of dialysis is a medical treatment that performs the functions of the kidneys when they can no longer do so on their own. It helps purify the blood, remove waste and excess fluid, and keep essential electrolytes like sodium and potassium in balance. While dialysis is a life-saving procedure, it is not a cure. In most cases, it’s required due to severe or permanent kidney damage caused by an underlying condition.

But what exactly causes this kind of irreversible kidney damage? The need for dialysis often arises from chronic illnesses or sudden injuries that impair kidney function. Conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, autoimmune diseases, and genetic disorders are some of the most common culprits.

What is Dialysis?

Dialysis is a method of treatment to treat kidney failure when the kidneys have lost most or all their capacity to function. It is a method of artificially removing the waste products and excess fluids in the blood. There are two major kinds of dialysis :-

1. Hemodialysis The machine removes the waste and water out of your blood.

2. Peritoneal Dialysis Utilizes the abdomen’s lining to cleanse your blood within your body.

Dialysis is usually required if kidney function is less than 10% of its normal capacity. What causes this degree of kidney damage?

Causes of Dialysis

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

Chronical Kidney Disease is the most frequent cause of dialysis. CKD is a chronic condition which causes the kidneys to gradually become dysfunctional with time. It’s usually connected to other medical conditions such as:

1. Diabetes

2. Blood pressure high

3. Heart Disease

4. Obesity

Early signs of CKD can be insignificant, which makes regular screening crucial for those at high risk. If untreated, CKD can progress to end-stage renal disease (ESRD), necessitating dialysis or a kidney transplant.

Diabetes (Diabetic Nephropathy)

Diabetes and, in particular Type 2, is a major factor in kidney failure. The high blood sugar levels can damage the tiny blood vessels in the kidney (glomeruli) and reduce their ability to filter out waste.

As time passes, this leads to a condition known as diabetic Nephropathy that is responsible for around 40% to 50 percent of dialysis-related cases worldwide.

Signs of damaged kidneys caused by diabetes are :-

1. Protein in urine (proteinuria)

2. Severe swelling of the face or legs

3. Frequent urination

4. Fatigue

Controlling blood sugar levels with diet, medications and exercise is essential in preventing or slowing renal damage among diabetics.

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

High blood pressure that is uncontrolled can seriously damage kidney blood vessels, which can reduce their ability to eliminate waste. This is referred to as hypertensive renal sclerosis.

Hypertension that is not controlled for long periods can cause the kidney tissue becoming damaged and eventually kidney failure which requires dialysis. The early treatment of blood pressure via lifestyle and medication is vital to safeguard kidney health.

Glomerulonephritis

Glomerulonephritis is an irritation of glomeruliwhich are the filtering units of kidneys. The condition may be chronic or acute and can result from :-

1. Autoimmune diseases (like lupus)

2. Diseases (such such as Strep throat)

3. Causes not known (idiopathic)

In time, glomerulonephritis could cause permanently damaged kidneys particularly if it is neglected, and can cause the requirement for dialysis.

Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD)

Polycystic Kidney Disease is a genetic condition which causes cysts filled with fluid to form within the kidneys. The cysts will grow in time, expanding kidneys, and degrading their functions.

PKD is a major genetic cause of kidney failure. Patients with PKD might be affected by :-

1. High blood pressure

2. Kidney infections

3. The urine contains blood.

4. Kidney stones

There’s no cure for the disease, but treatments can help slow down the progression of disease. In advanced stage, dialysis or a transplantation becomes required.

Urinary Tract Obstruction

A blocked urine flow could cause damage to the kidneys over time. The most common causes are :-

1. Kidney stones

2. Enlarged prostate

3. Tumors

4. Congenital abnormalities

The condition is also known as Obstructive Uropathy. The persistent obstruction increases the pressure inside the kidneys, damaging the delicate tissues, and could lead to kidney failure.

Recurrent Kidney Infections (Pyelonephritis)

Recurring kidney infections can damage the kidneys and reduce their capacity to efficiently filter blood. Chronic Pyelonephritis is more prevalent among those with:

1. Reflux nephropathy

2. Urinary tract issues

3. Inflammatory systems weak

The prompt treatment of infections as well as preventive treatment are vital to ensure kidney function is protected.

Autoimmune Diseases

Certain autoimmune disorders mistakenly attack kidney tissue. The most common ones are :-

1. Lupus Nephritis (caused through systemic lupus.)

2. IgA nephropathy

3. “Goodpasture’s syndrome”

The conditions cause inflammation, which can affect kidneys’ ability to filter fluids. If left untreated an autoimmune kidney disease may lead to ESRD which requires dialysis.

Drug and Toxin Exposure

Certain medications and certain toxins are Nephrotoxic which means they can harm kidneys. The most common culprits are :-

1. The NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug)

2. Certain antibiotics

3. Contrast dyes are used to test imaging

4. Metals heavy

5. Illicit drug (like cocaine or heroin)

A prolonged or excessive dose can result in acute kidney damage or even accelerate CKD which can lead to dialysis.

Severe Dehydration or Shock

An acute kidney injury (AKI) can result due to a sudden decrease in the flow of blood to the kidneys because of :-

1. Severe dehydration

2. Major surgery

3. Trauma

4. Blood loss

5. Sepsis or infections

Although AKI can be reversed with quick treatment, severe cases may require temporary dialysis to ensure kidney function improves.

Cardiovascular Events

Heart diseases such as the congestive heart disease (CHF) or heart attack may reduce kidney blood flow and cause damage to the kidneys or even failure. The interaction between the kidneys and the heart is commonly referred to as cardiorenal syndrome..

Patients who suffer from kidney and heart diseases have a greater chance of needing dialysis.

Early Signs of Kidney Damage to Watch For

Being aware of the warning signs of kidney disease is crucial to avoid the necessity for dialysis. The most common symptoms are :-

1. The swelling can be seen in ankles, legs or on the on the face

2. Affliction or fatigue

3. Changes in the frequency of urination (frequency or color, or frostiness)

4. Breathing problems

5. High blood pressure

6. Persistent nausea

7. Itchy skin

If you have risk factors, such as hypertension, diabetes or the family history of kidney disease, frequent renal function testing is vital.

Preventing Kidney Failure and Dialysis

While certain causes of kidney failure are out of control, most are easily preventable or treatable. Here are a few steps to lessen the risk of developing kidney failure :-

1. Monitor blood sugar levels and blood pressure

2. Maintain an ideal weight

3. Keep hydrated

4. Beware of unnecessary medication and supplements

5. Regularly check for adolescent health to determine if you’re at risk.

6. Do not smoke and limit the consumption of alcohol

7. Consume a diet that is kidney-friendly (low in sodium processed foods, processed and foods high in phosphorus)

Conclusion

Dialysis is essential when kidneys are unable to perform their primary function, cleaning blood and ensuring the balance of fluids. The most common causes are chronic illnesses like hypertension, diabetes, glomerulonephritis and genetic diseases like the polycystic kidney disorder. By identifying the risk factors early and taking preventive measures to delay or even avoid dialysis completely.