Dialüüsit

Dialüüsit, also known as dialysis, is a medical treatment used to remove waste products and excess fluid from the blood when the kidneys are unable to perform this function adequately. This condition is typically due to chronic kidney disease (CKD) or acute kidney injury (AKI). Dialysis can be performed using several methods, including hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and hemodiafiltration.

Hemodialysis is the most common form of dialysis. It involves using a machine to filter the blood outside the body, typically in a hospital or dialysis center. The blood is pumped through a dialyzer, which contains semipermeable membranes that allow waste products and excess fluid to pass through while retaining essential substances like red blood cells and proteins. The cleaned blood is then returned to the body.

Peritoneal dialysis, on the other hand, uses the patient's own abdomen as a filter. A solution containing dialysate is infused into the abdominal cavity, and waste products and excess fluid are removed through the peritoneal membrane. This method is often used for patients who are unable to undergo hemodialysis due to factors such as poor vascular access or heart failure.

Hemodiafiltration is a hybrid method that combines elements of both hemodialysis and hemofiltration. It uses a dialyzer to remove waste products and excess fluid, similar to hemodialysis, but also includes a filter to remove smaller molecules, such as urea and creatinine, which are not removed by hemodialysis alone.

Dialüüsit is a life-saving treatment for patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), but it is not a cure. Patients on dialysis require lifelong treatment and regular monitoring to manage their condition and prevent complications. The quality of life for dialysis patients can vary, and many factors, including access to care, financial stability, and emotional support, can impact their overall well-being.