Your kidneys are are amazing organs, responsible for filtering approximately 1,500 liters of blood every day. They perform an extremely crucial process, especially diffusion, eliminating waste from the blood, ultrafiltration, and the removal of excess water. When your kidneys are failed or have suffered some kind of damage, you may need dialysis, which is the artificial replacement of these two core functions. Mt Auburn Nephrology, a clinic in Cincinnati offering a variety of kidney disease treatments, explains when dialysis may be necessary.

There are two primary types of kidney dialysis: hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis, which perform the same function in very different ways. In hemodialysis, the blood is allowed to flow through an external machine that essentially functions as an artificial kidney. Peritoneal dialysis performs the same function in your abdominal cavity, using a process that occurs inside your body. Your doctor will recommend the best process for you if they decide that dialysis will be necessary.

Kidney failures tend to occur gradually, and since they are so efficient, normal functions may be possible for quite some time. Symptoms may vary widely between different individuals, but they generally include:

• Frequent Urination
• Itchy Skin
• Erectile Dysfunction
• Nausea
• Shortness of Breath
• Fatigue
• Blood in Urine

If you've experienced any combination of these symptoms, you should visit Mt Auburn Nephrology for a kidney function test as soon as possible. Visit their website to learn more about their range of services and expertise, or just call (513) 841-0222 to schedule your first appointment with a specialist today.