Patients who undergo hemodialysis must visit the specialist at Darul Sehat Hospital. The doctor will help the patient understand the complications associated with hemodialysis and ways to enhance their life.
Purpose of Hemodialysis
Hemodialysis is a process that helps replicate the functioning of kidneys. The procedure involves the removal of blood from an access pint in the vein. However, if the person is not taking proper precautions and diet, it can cause an imbalance in the chemical activities of the body. The person may suffer from multiple side effects and complications due to the procedure.
Complications
The complications associated with hemodialysis are:
Hypotension
The patient may suffer from low blood pressure, commonly known as hypotension. The speed and dose of the removal can cause hypotension. The rapid removal of fluid from the body can cause the person to suffer from symptoms associated with hypotension. It can also lead to the formation of a blood clot, hindering neurological and cardiovascular functioning. The symptoms include:
- The patient experiences abdominal discomfort.
- The person suffers from distorted vision, causing anxiety.
- The patient may experience muscle cramping and vomiting.
- The caregivers can notice the clammy skin, which correlates with a kidney infection and disease.
Hypokalemia
Hypokalemia is a condition in which the person has low potassium in the body. Potassium is an essential electrolyte responsible for regulating the fluid balance in the body. Additionally, it transmits nerve signals and is responsible for muscle contractions. Hemodialysis can cause hypokalemia, which can further lead to paralysis, arrhythmia, ventricular fibration, and ileus. The symptoms of hypokalemia are:
- The person has irregular heart palpitations.
- The person experiences muscle cramping.
- The patient suffers from constipation, fatigue, and weakness.
Infections
Hemodialysis is a procedure that fives a gateway to bacteria and microorganisms to enter the bloodstream. Antibiotics can help fight the infection and ease the symptoms. Additionally, the patient has to take blood thinners to avoid blood clotting. The patient undergoing the treatment must maintain hygiene to minimize the risk of developing any further physical conditions. Additionally, it is essential to take precautions to avoid bleeding through the fistula. The symptoms of infection are:
- The patient experiences fever, body aches, and swelling
- The patient can notice pus under the skin
- The patient and caregivers can notice redness around the access point.
DDS
Dialysis disequilibrium syndrome is a rare condition that individuals who have started hemodialysis may experience. The body does not accept the chemical, which leads to brain swelling. Saline injection with diuretics helps ease the pain and swelling. It is a short-term complication, which gets better with time. The symptoms of dialysis disequilibrium syndrome are:
- The patient suffers from unbearable pain
- The patient feels dizzy
- The patient feels nauseous most of the time.
- The caregivers can notice a behavior change and may appear to talk unusually.
- The patient experiences muscle cramping.
Hypervolemia
When the kidneys fail to remove the fluid from the body, there is an excessive accumulation, known as hypervolemia. The patient and caregivers should monitor the fluid intake to manage the symptoms and associated complications. The symptoms of hypervolemia are:
- The patient suffers from shortness of breath and constant body aches.
- The patient can notice irrational weight gain.
- The person can feel abdominal pressure.
- The patient suffers from the symptoms of high blood pressure.
- The caregivers can notice swelling in the lower extremities.
The patient exhibiting any symptoms that correlate with the mentioned complication must seek immediate help from a nephrologist in Karachi. The specialist will help determine the cause and provide treatment accordingly for a smooth and quick recovery.
