What is dialysis?

Dialysis is a treatment for people whose kidneys are failing. When

you have kidney failure, your kidneys don’t filter blood the way
they should. As a result, wastes and toxins build up in your
bloodstream. Dialysis does the work of your kidneys, removing
waste products and excess fluid from the blood.
Who needs dialysis?

People who have kidney failure, or end-stage renal disease

(ESRD), may need dialysis. Injuries and conditions like high blood
pressure, diabetes and lupus can damage kidneys, leading
to kidney disease.

Some people develop kidney problems for no known reason.

Kidney failure can be a long-term condition, or it can come on
suddenly (acute) after a severe illness or injury. This type of
kidney failure may go away as you recover.

There are five stages of kidney disease. In stage 5 kidney

disease, healthcare providers consider you to be in end-stage
renal disease (ESRD) or kidney failure. At this point, kidneys are
carrying out around 10% to 15% of their normal function. You may
need dialysis or a kidney transplant to stay alive. Some people
undergo dialysis while waiting for a transplant.
What do the kidneys do?

Your kidneys are part of your urinary system. These two bean-

shaped organs sit below your ribcage on each side of your spine.
They clean toxins from your blood, returning filtered, nutrient-rich
blood to the bloodstream.

The waste and extra water make urine, which moves from the
kidneys into the bladder. Your kidneys also help regulate
your blood pressure.