When Is Dialysis Necessary? Understanding Symptoms That Indicate Treatment Is Needed

Dialysis is a treatment that takes over the job of filtering waste and extra fluid from your blood when your kidneys can no longer do so effectively. Understanding when it’s time to consider dialysis can be important especially if you have chronic kidney disease or acute kidney failure.

If you need dialysis and looking for a hemodialysis center around Brooklyn, Doral Health and Wellness offers a Dialysis. You can contact us by visiting our clinic or visiting our website at https://doralhw.org/solution/dialysis/.

Understanding the most common symptoms that may indicate dialysis is necessary. These symptoms can include:

  • Persistent Fatigue and Weakness

One of the early signs that your kidney function is declining is when you have a constant feeling of tiredness. As your kidneys lose their ability to filter out waste, toxins start building up in your bloodstream, which can cause a lack of energy and an overwhelming sense of fatigue. If you find yourself feeling exhausted even after rest, it could be a signal that your kidneys aren’t functioning properly.

  • Swelling in the Legs, Feet, or Ankles

When your kidneys aren’t able to remove excess fluid, it can accumulate in your body, leading to noticeable swelling, particularly in your lower extremities. This swelling, which is called edema, can also occur around your eyes and face. If swelling becomes persistent and doesn’t go away with rest, it’s a sign that kidney function is declining and you may require dialysis.

  • Difficulty Breathing

Fluid buildup in the lungs can make breathing more difficult, especially during physical activity or while lying down. If you’re experiencing shortness of breath without any clear cause, it could be due to excess fluid that your kidneys are unable to eliminate. This symptom, often accompanied with fatigue, may suggest the need for dialysis.

  • Nausea and Vomiting

As toxins accumulate in your bloodstream, they can affect with your digestive system, leading to a loss of appetite, nausea, or vomiting. If you’re feeling consistently sick, especially after eating, and can’t seem to keep your food down, it might be a result of advanced kidney disease. Persistent nausea can be a clear indication that your kidneys are no longer able to manage your body’s waste removal.

  • Changes in Urination

Changes in the frequency or appearance of your urine can also be a sign of worsening kidney health. You might notice that you’re urinating less often, or that your urine is foamy, darker in color, or even contains blood. A significant decrease in urination often suggests that your kidneys are no longer effectively processing fluids, which could mean dialysis is needed to help remove waste.

  • Uncontrolled High Blood Pressure

The kidneys play an important role in regulating blood pressure. When they begin to fail, your blood pressure can rise and become difficult to manage with medication. Consistently high blood pressure can further damage your kidneys, creating a vicious cycle. If your blood pressure remains elevated even with treatment, it could be a sign that your kidney function is severely weakened.

  • Mental Confusion and Trouble Concentrating

When your kidneys are unable to remove waste, toxins can build up in your brain, leading to cognitive issues. This may manifest as confusion, difficulty concentrating, or even memory problems. If you or a loved one begins to experience changes in mental clarity, this could be a warning sign that dialysis is needed to clear toxins from your body.

  • Metallic Taste or Ammonia Breath

A buildup of waste products in your blood, known as uremia, can cause a metallic taste in the mouth or make your breath smell like ammonia. This symptom is a direct result of your kidneys’ inability to filter out toxins properly and may indicate that dialysis is necessary.

If you or someone you know is experiencing several of these symptoms, it’s important to consult you’re your medical provider as soon as possible. These signs often indicate that the kidneys are no longer functioning effectively, and dialysis might be the next step in treatment. Early detection and intervention can help manage symptoms and improve overall quality of life.

At Doral Health and Wellness Urology Center, our team of urologist and nephrologist will work with you in managing your disease and your quality of life. To schedule an appointment, please visit us at 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11212 or call 1-347-384-5690. You can also visit our website at https://doralhw.org/department/urology/.