Ways To Treat Uremia

Also known as uremic syndrome, uremia is a condition where the kidneys are no longer working correctly. As such, they allow the extra fluid and waste that would normally be filtered out to remain in your blood. The longer it stays with you, the more you may experience nausea, itchiness, loss of appetite, fatigue, weight loss, trouble concentrating, and pain in your legs and feet. Given enough time, uremia can cause serious damage to your heart and brain, which is why it is so critical it be treated quickly and effectively. There are multiple options for treating uremia. Learn about the most common ones now.

Hemodialysis

Hemodialysis is a process in which the blood is filtered with the help of a machine. The machine helps your body get rid of the waste, salt, and fluid in your blood when your kidneys can no longer perform this action on their own. This process requires the patient to adhere to a strict treatment schedule, and it may require them to take additional medication. Your doctor may even advise changes to your diet. Some individuals may need to get the procedure done at a care center three times a week for several hours at a time. However, you may be able to perform the procedure at home. These sessions are more frequent but shorter—the average session lasts for about two to three hours, and takes place six to seven times a week. The procedure may cause nausea and cramps as the fluid is pulled from the body, but you can speak to your doctor about lessening the side effects by adjusting the speed of the process or through medication.

Learn about the next treatment option for uremia now.

Peritoneal Dialysis

Peritoneal dialysis is a process in which waste products are removed from your blood, much like hemodialysis. Unlike hemodialysis, however, it does this by inserting a cleansing fluid into the abdomen. There, the fluid can filter waste from the blood. After it has completed this, the fluid flows out of the abdomen and is discarded. Peritoneal dialysis treatments are easier because they can be completed from home, at work, or even while you are traveling. This makes it an option for some but not all, as it is necessary for you to have the skill to do it yourself or the ability to rely on a caregiver. Other benefits of this treatment include greater flexibility in your dietary guidelines as well as more stable blood chemistry—due to the continuous nature of the treatment—and body hydration.

Continue reading about treatments for uremia now.