Dialysis is a life-sustaining treatment used when your kidneys fail. It helps filter waste and excess fluid from your blood when your kidneys are no longer able to perform these functions adequately.

Here's a breakdown of what dialysis does:

• Removes waste products: Dialysis filters out toxins, such as urea and creatinine, that build up in the blood when the kidneys aren't working.
• Removes excess fluid: It helps to remove extra fluid, preventing swelling and fluid buildup in the lungs.
• Maintains electrolyte balance: Dialysis helps regulate the levels of electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and calcium in the blood.
• Controls blood pressure: By removing excess fluid and regulating electrolytes, dialysis can help control blood pressure.

There are two main types of dialysis:

• Hemodialysis: This type uses a machine to filter the blood outside of the body. Blood is drawn from the body and passed through a dialyzer (artificial kidney) before being returned to the body.
• Peritoneal Dialysis: This type uses the lining of your abdomen (peritoneum) as a natural filter. A catheter is inserted into the abdomen, and a special fluid called dialysate is introduced into the peritoneal cavity to absorb waste and excess fluid, then drained.

For more detailed information, you can refer to these resources:

• National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK): https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/kidney-disease/kidney-failure/dialysis
• National Kidney Foundation: https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/dialysisinfo