Signs of Hemodialysis Complications and How to Prevent Them
What Is Hemodialysis?
5 Signs of Hemodialysis Complications
1. Hypervolemia (fluid overload)
Fluid overload is a problem because it can cause increased blood pressure, heart problems, hospitalization, and death in patients with ESRD. You can help prevent hypervolemia by following these tips:
- Complete all dialysis treatments as prescribed and reschedule any missed treatment
- Limit or reduce your sodium intake
- Measure and track how much fluid you drink and stay within your fluid guidelines
- Record your weight and note any gains that could indicate fluid buildup
- Find ways to manage thirst
- Manage your diabetes to keep blood sugar in target range
2. Low blood pressure
Avoid low blood pressure during your treatment by managing your fluid gains between treatments and not eating during dialysis (unless you have diabetes that requires you to eat while dialyzing). Also, make sure your care team has an updated list of all medications you take at home.
3. Infection
4. Itchy skin
Dry, itchy skin, also known as pruritus, can be caused by several factors.2 Here are a few to watch out for:
- Dry skin: Avoid using skin care products that contain alcohol, alpha-hydroxy acid, fragrance, and retinoids. Limit your time in the shower or bath to 10 minutes and use warm water instead of hot.
- High phosphorus level: Be sure to take any phosphate binders as prescribed.
- Not getting enough dialysis: Stay for your entire treatment time and reschedule any missed treatment.
- Allergies: Use fragrance-free skin care products and laundry detergents that are labeled “hypoallergenic.” Dermatologists have additional tips for relieving dry skin.
5. General discomfort
Getting to Your Comfort Zone
Be sure to let your care team know if you experience any changes to your overall health, such as fever, shortness of breath, itchy skin, headaches, or other symptoms of common hemodialysis complications, so that you can succeed and thrive with dialysis.
References
1Veeraish Chauhan, “Blood Pressure From Hemodialysis Signs and Prevention,” Verywell Health, last modified July 31, 2020, https://www.verywellhealth.com/complications-at-hemodialysis-low-blood-pressure-3954431.
2 “Dialysis: Dry, Itchy Skin,” National Kidney Foundation, accessed April 6, 2022, https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/dialysis-dry-itchy-skin.
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