Understanding Dialysis
Dialysis is a medical treatment that takes over the job of your kidneys when they are no longer able to clean your blood properly on their own. It removes waste, extra salt, and excess fluid from your body — things healthy kidneys would normally do. If your doctor has told you that your kidneys are failing, you will need to visit a hospital or dialysis centre regularly to receive this life-saving treatment.
Common Symptoms / Concerns for Dialysis
When to Seek Professional Care
Book an evaluation with a healthcare provider immediately if you experience or present with:
- Sudden difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Missed a dialysis session and feeling very unwell
- Chest pain or tightness
- Severe swelling in the face, hands, or legs that comes on quickly
- Confusion, dizziness, or loss of consciousness
- Very little or no urine for more than a day
- Signs of infection at your dialysis access site — redness, swelling, or discharge
- Uncontrolled vomiting or inability to keep fluids down
What to Expect During Your Medical Consultation
When you visit a doctor or dialysis centre, the team will ask you about how you have been feeling, any changes in your urine, and whether you have been following your diet and fluid limits. They will check your blood pressure, weight, and may take blood or urine samples to see how well your kidneys are working. The staff are there to support you, so do not hesitate to ask questions or share any concerns you have.
Medical Divisions Vetted for Dialysis
Our platform supports multiple clinical specialties capable of providing consultations for this visit type:
Kidney Doctor
Clinicians available for dialysis consultations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes kidney failure and the need for dialysis?
The most common causes of kidney failure are diabetes and high blood pressure, both of which are very common in West Africa. Other causes include certain infections, inherited kidney conditions, and long-term use of some pain medicines. When the kidneys are too damaged to do their job, dialysis is needed to keep the body working properly.
Is dialysis painful?
Most people do not find dialysis painful, though you may feel some discomfort when the needles are inserted at the start of a session. Some patients experience muscle cramps or feel tired during or after treatment, but the dialysis centre team can help manage these side effects. Over time, many patients adjust well and are able to rest or read during their sessions.
How often do I need to go for dialysis?
Most patients on haemodialysis (the most common type) need to attend a dialysis centre three times a week, with each session lasting about four hours. Your doctor will decide the right schedule based on how well your kidneys are still working and your overall health. It is very important not to skip sessions, as missing dialysis can make you very ill quickly.
Are there alternatives or home remedies for kidney failure?
There are no safe home remedies or herbal treatments that can replace dialysis once your kidneys have failed. Taking unproven remedies can actually make kidney damage worse and delay life-saving treatment. The only long-term alternative to dialysis is a kidney transplant, which your doctor can discuss with you if you are a suitable candidate.
How can I prevent kidney disease?
The best ways to protect your kidneys are to manage diabetes and high blood pressure carefully, drink enough clean water each day, and avoid taking too many pain medicines like ibuprofen or aspirin without a doctor's advice. Eating a balanced diet with less salt and sugar, not smoking, and attending regular health check-ups can all help keep your kidneys healthy. If kidney disease runs in your family, let your doctor know so they can monitor you more closely.
Schedule Consultations
Get connected with local doctors. Instantly schedule appointments for Dialysis on our HIPAA-compliant, telehealth-enabled platform.
Our guides are reviewed by internal medical advisory boards to uphold patient guidelines and reference certified therapies.
Your doctor is only an appointment away.
Feeling unwell? Our friendly healthcare professionals are here to listen, advise, and care for you. Just open the app for quick, expert help. No stress, no fuss.
