Dialysis or Kidney Transplant?

Kidney failure can be treated by either dialysis Henderson or through a kidney transplant. Individuals suffering from chronic kidney problems should consult with their physician to see which treatment would best suit their needs.

Kidneys are the body organs that help eliminate fluids and waste products from the body. When kidneys fail to function as they should, waste products begin to build up in a person’s blood. Dialysis helps take up kidney function in part whereas a kidney transplant can do the whole job.

Understanding Dialysis

Once a person has been diagnosed with kidney problems, he or she should consider dialysis to keep their system cleansed of fluids and waste products. There’s no point waiting until the disease has progressed to a life threatening stage. People with kidney disease can begin treatment even before displaying symptoms of kidney failure.

Kidney patients should work closely with a kidney specialist in outlining their treatment. Working with a trustworthy doctor will give patients greater confidence that they’re getting the right type of care. As no two patients are exactly alike, doctors will tailor dialysis treatments to cater to a patient’s specific needs.

Understanding Kidney Transplant

Individuals with serious kidney diseases may require a kidney transplant to regain their health and wellbeing. As kidney transplants require a donation of a kidney organ, patients may be put on a waiting list until a kidney is available. During this time, dialysis will be needed to keep patients alive.

A working kidney for a transplant may come from a family member, friend or total stranger. Kidney donors may be living or deceased. Naturally, a kidney from a living individual would be better. As people only need one functioning kidney to survive, a living relative could donate one of his or her kidneys and still live a good quality of life.

Not everyone with kidney disease qualifies for a transplant. A kidney transplant may not be safe for seniors with severe heart problems, cancer patients, people with dementia, Alzheimer’s or mental illness, people who are extremely overweight or those who suffer from alcohol or drug abuse. Individuals with chronic illnesses that could cause an early demise may also not qualify for a transplant.

In some cases, dialysis may be a temporary means of resolving kidney problems until a transplant can take place. A successful kidney transplant can help restore a person’s health and enable him or her to enjoy a high quality of life.