Dialysis: What It Is, How It Works, and What You Need to Know

When your kidneys can’t filter waste anymore, dialysis, a medical procedure that removes waste and extra fluid from the blood when kidneys fail. Also known as artificial kidney treatment, it’s not a cure—but it’s life-saving for people with kidney failure, a condition where kidneys lose most or all of their filtering ability. Without dialysis, toxins build up fast, leading to confusion, seizures, or even death. About 800,000 people in the U.S. rely on it each year, and numbers keep rising as diabetes and high blood pressure damage more kidneys.

Dialysis comes in two main types: hemodialysis, a process where blood is filtered outside the body through a machine, and peritoneal dialysis, a method that uses the lining of your abdomen as a natural filter. Hemodialysis usually happens three times a week at a clinic, each session lasting 3–5 hours. Peritoneal dialysis can be done at home, often overnight, using a fluid that flows in and out of your belly. Neither is easy—both require strict schedules, diet changes, and constant monitoring. But they let people live longer, stay active, and avoid the worst symptoms of kidney failure.

People on dialysis often deal with fatigue, low blood pressure, muscle cramps, and itching. Some lose their appetite or gain weight from fluids they can’t flush out. Medications like phosphate binders, drugs taken with meals to stop excess phosphorus from entering the bloodstream are common. You’ll also need to watch sodium, potassium, and fluids closely. Even small slips—like drinking too much soda or eating salty snacks—can land you back in the hospital. That’s why many people on dialysis work with dietitians and nurses to build routines that keep them stable.

It’s not just about the machine or the fluid. Dialysis changes how you live. Travel gets harder. Work schedules shift. Social plans get canceled because you’re tied to treatment. But it’s also a bridge—for some, it’s temporary while waiting for a transplant. For others, it’s long-term. The key is knowing your options, asking questions, and staying on top of your care. You’re not alone. Thousands manage this every day, and there’s a lot of practical help out there—from tracking tools to support groups.

Below, you’ll find real, no-fluff guides on how dialysis connects to other parts of your health. Learn how certain medications can affect your kidneys, why some pain relievers are risky, how to spot early signs of trouble, and what to watch for if you’re on dialysis long-term. These aren’t theory pieces—they’re tools people use every day to stay safer, healthier, and more in control.