Side Effects of Dialysis in the Elderly
End-stage kidney disease requires either dialysis or a kidney transplant. While it’s a life-saving medical procedure for kidney patients, both types of dialysis procedures come with certain risks. The odds of complications are higher in the elderly.
The nephrologist in Navi Mumbai will help you weigh the risks and benefits of dialysis and offer detailed guidelines on how to manage most side effects. If you are considering dialysis but are concerned about complications, we’ve created this post that explains possible side effects and serious complications of dialysis in the elderly.
Common Side Effects of Dialysis in the Elderly
Before we dive into the side effects of dialysis, let’s understand how dialysis works.
Dialysis replicates the kidney function in people whose kidneys have stopped functioning. The procedure filters waste and fluid from the blood. Here’s what you might experience in between your dialysis sessions.
1) Fatigue and Weakness:
Dialysis can be physically exhausting, especially for elderly people with weak immune systems. Fatigue from dialysis is mainly caused by nutritional deficiency, as the process filters essential vitamins and nutrients along with waste products. Additionally, each dialysis session is pretty lengthy and may take 3-4 hours, causing fatigue.
2) Low Blood Pressure:
Too much fluid loss during dialysis can lead to a sudden drop in your blood pressure. If your blood pressure drops, you might experience additional symptoms like nausea and dizziness after dialysis.
3) Muscle Cramps:
Rapid fluid loss can cause dehydration, leading to muscle cramps. Dialysis causes electrolyte imbalance, which can result in a sudden drop in calcium, sodium, and other mineral levels. Low blood pressure can also affect blood circulation throughout the body, causing muscle cramps.
4) Itching and Dry Skin:
Skin irritation and itching are common in dialysis. Between each session, waste products build up in the blood, causing skin issues. Some people experience itching on their legs due to restless leg syndrome. Dialysis causes dehydration, which makes the skin prone to dryness and irritation.
5) Sleep Problems:
Did you know half the patients going through dialysis develop insomnia? Your kidneys filter blood regularly. However, dialysis is performed 3-4 times a week only. During this time, the waste accumulation in your body can make you feel sick. This, in turn, disrupts your sleep cycle.
Serious Complications
Dialysis can also cause long-term complications in the elderly.
- Cardiovascular Diseases: Electrolyte imbalance and excess fluid buildup can cause cardiovascular disorders, such as hypertension and heart failure.
- Infection: The regular use of catheters can cause infection.
- Malnutrition: Dialysis deprives your body of vital nutrients by filtering them with waste products, which can cause malnutrition.
- Mental Health Issues: The procedure can be mentally challenging, making the patient likely to experience anxiety and depression.
Managing Side Effects
Most of these side effects are manageable with proper medication, physical therapy, and dietary modification. Contact a professional at a dialysis center in Navi Mumbai to discuss your options, the length of treatment, and frequency.
Dialysis doesn’t have to be a permanent treatment. You can opt for a kidney transplant (if you are a good candidate) to get permanent relief.