24 March 2025 | Santosh Hospitals

The kidneys play a crucial role in filtering waste, excess fluids, and toxins from the blood, ensuring the body's overall health. However, when the kidneys lose their ability to function properly, dialysis becomes a necessary treatment to help perform these vital functions. But how do you know when it's time for dialysis? Understanding the signs and symptoms of kidney failure can help you seek timely medical intervention.

At Santosh Hospitals, our team of Best Nephrologists in Ghaziabad and Best Kidney Specialist Doctors in Ghaziabad provide expert care and treatment for kidney-related conditions. In this blog, we will explore the symptoms of kidney failure, when dialysis is required, and how it can improve your quality of life.

What is Dialysis?

Dialysis is a medical treatment that takes over the functions of the kidneys when they are no longer able to filter blood effectively. It helps remove waste, excess fluids, and toxins while maintaining the body’s electrolyte balance. There are two main types of dialysis:

1. Hemodialysis – A machine filters the blood outside the body and returns clean blood back to the system.
2. Peritoneal Dialysis – A special fluid is introduced into the abdominal cavity to absorb waste, which is then drained.

Both methods serve the same purpose: to help patients with kidney failure maintain their health. But how do you know if you need dialysis? Let’s look at the symptoms.

Signs That You May Need Dialysis

Kidney failure does not happen overnight. It progresses gradually, and early detection can help slow down its impact. Here are some key signs and symptoms indicating that you may need dialysis:

1. Swelling in the Body (Edema)

One of the first signs of kidney failure is swelling in the legs, ankles, feet, or face. This occurs because the kidneys are unable to remove excess fluids from the body, leading to fluid retention.

2. Persistent Fatigue and Weakness

The kidneys help produce red blood cells, which carry oxygen to different parts of the body. When kidney function declines, anemia develops, causing severe tiredness and weakness.

3. Difficulty in Breathing

Excess fluid buildup in the lungs due to kidney dysfunction can lead to breathlessness. If you experience shortness of breath even while resting, it may indicate severe kidney disease.

4. Uncontrolled High Blood Pressure

Kidneys regulate blood pressure by balancing fluid levels and hormones. When they fail, high blood pressure becomes difficult to manage, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.

5. Frequent Nausea and Vomiting

As kidney function declines, waste products accumulate in the blood, leading to nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. This is a warning sign that toxins are not being effectively removed from the body.

6. Changes in Urination Patterns

A noticeable change in urine color, frequency, or output can indicate kidney dysfunction. Symptoms include:

• Foamy or bubbly urine (due to protein leakage)
• Dark or brown urine
• Frequent urination at night
• Reduced or no urine output

7. Muscle Cramps and Restless Leg Syndrome

Imbalances in electrolytes like calcium and potassium due to kidney failure can lead to painful muscle cramps and restless legs, disrupting sleep and daily activities.

8. Severe Itching (Pruritus)

Toxin buildup in the blood can cause persistent itching, particularly in the back and arms. This is a common symptom of advanced kidney disease.

9. Confusion and Difficulty in Concentration

As waste products accumulate in the body, they can affect brain function, leading to memory problems, confusion, and difficulty concentrating.

10. Loss of Appetite and Unexplained Weight Loss

A decreased appetite and significant weight loss are common in patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). This occurs due to the accumulation of waste in the blood.

When is Dialysis Required?

Doctors determine the need for dialysis based on several factors, including:

1. Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) Below 15 mL/min

GFR is a key indicator of kidney function. When it drops below 15 mL/min, dialysis is necessary to prevent further complications.

2. Severe Fluid Retention

If medications and dietary changes fail to control fluid buildup, dialysis is recommended to remove excess water and prevent lung and heart complications.

3. Uncontrollable High Blood Pressure

If kidney failure leads to dangerously high blood pressure that does not respond to medications, dialysis can help manage fluid balance and reduce the strain on the heart.

4. Excessive Toxin Buildup (Uremia)

When waste products accumulate to dangerous levels, causing severe symptoms like confusion, vomiting, and difficulty breathing, dialysis becomes the only option.

Treatment Options for Kidney Failure

At Santosh Hospitals, a leading Kidney Hospital in Delhi NCR, we offer comprehensive kidney care, including:

1. Hemodialysis

• A life-saving procedure where blood is filtered through a dialysis machine to remove toxins and excess fluids.

2. Peritoneal Dialysis

• A home-based dialysis method where a cleansing fluid is introduced into the abdomen to filter waste naturally.

3. Kidney Transplant

• In cases of end-stage kidney disease, a kidney transplant is the best long-term solution. Our team of Best Kidney Specialist Doctors in Ghaziabad provides expert consultation for transplant candidates.

4. Medication and Lifestyle Modifications

• For early-stage kidney disease, medications, dietary changes, and fluid management can help slow progression and delay dialysis.

Conclusion

Dialysis is a crucial treatment for individuals with severe kidney disease. Recognizing the symptoms of kidney failure early can help prevent complications and ensure timely treatment. If you experience any of the above symptoms, consult the Best Nephrologists in Ghaziabad at Santosh Hospitals for expert evaluation and personalized treatment.

With advanced technology,we provide comprehensive kidney care to ensure a better quality of life for our patients. If you or a loved one is facing kidney-related issues, do not hesitate to seek medical help. Early intervention can make a significant difference!

For expert kidney care, visit Santosh Hospitals—your trusted healthcare partner in Delhi NCR.