Renal dialysis is required when the kidneys are no longer able to perform their essential functions of filtering waste, excess fluids, and electrolytes from the blood effectively. The primary causes leading to the need for renal dialysis include:
- Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): Progressive and long-term damage to the kidneys due to conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or glomerulonephritis can lead to a gradual loss of kidney function. When CKD reaches an advanced stage, dialysis may be needed.
- Acute Kidney Injury (AKI): A sudden and severe decline in kidney function due to causes such as infections, dehydration, trauma, or medications can require dialysis, particularly if the kidney function does not recover quickly.
- Diabetes: Chronic high blood sugar levels can damage the kidneys’ filtering units over time, leading to diabetic nephropathy and eventually kidney failure.
- High Blood Pressure (Hypertension): Persistent high blood pressure can damage blood vessels in the kidneys, reducing their ability to filter blood and leading to kidney failure.
- Glomerulonephritis: Inflammation of the glomeruli (the kidney’s filtering units) due to autoimmune diseases, infections, or other causes can impair kidney function and lead to the need for dialysis.
- Polycystic Kidney Disease: A genetic disorder causing cysts to form in the kidneys, leading to kidney enlargement and loss of function.
- Kidney Stones: Severe cases of kidney stones that cause significant damage or obstruction to kidney function can lead to the need for dialysis.
- Kidney Trauma: Physical injury or trauma to the kidneys, such as from an accident, can impair their function and necessitate dialysis.
- Toxic Exposure: Exposure to certain toxins or medications can cause acute or chronic kidney damage, leading to kidney failure and the need for dialysis.
- Inherited Conditions: Genetic disorders that impair kidney function from birth or develop over time can require dialysis.
Dialysis is used to replace the kidney’s essential functions when these conditions result in significant loss of kidney function, helping to manage the symptoms and complications of kidney failure.
