Kidney diseases are rising rapidly in India, and dialysis has become one of the most essential life-support treatments for millions. With increasing cases of diabetes, high blood pressure, lifestyle disorders, and late diagnosis of kidney failure, the need for dialysis awareness has never been more important.
This complete guide explains what dialysis is, why it is needed, the types of dialysis, cost factors, patient care, government schemes, risks, symptoms of kidney failure, and how to improve quality of life during dialysis.
Perfect for anyone wanting clarity on kidney health or looking for reliable information for patients and families.
What Is Dialysis?
Dialysis is a medical procedure that removes toxins, waste products, and excess fluid from the blood when the kidneys are no longer able to function properly.
Healthy kidneys perform many tasks:
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Filter blood
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Remove toxins
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Regulate fluid balance
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Maintain electrolyte levels
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Produce hormones (for RBCs, bone health & blood pressure)
When kidneys fail to carry out these functions, dialysis steps in as an artificial filtration system.
Why Do People Need Dialysis?
Dialysis is required when someone reaches End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) or Stage 5 Chronic Kidney Disease, where kidney function drops to 10–15%.
Common causes that lead to dialysis in India
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Diabetes (Leading cause in India – 40–50% cases)
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High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
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Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
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Glomerulonephritis
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Kidney infections
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Polycystic kidney disease
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Autoimmune disorders (e.g., lupus nephritis)
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Long-term use of painkillers or certain medicines
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Kidney injury due to accidents or surgeries
Late diagnosis of kidney disease is extremely common in India, resulting in people needing urgent dialysis without much warning.
Signs & Symptoms That Indicate the Need for Dialysis
Kidney diseases often progress silently. Early recognition helps delay dialysis or prepare better.
Common kidney failure symptoms:
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Persistent fatigue or weakness
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Swelling in legs, ankles, or hands
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Nausea or vomiting
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Loss of appetite
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Difficulty breathing
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Urinating less than usual
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Foamy or dark urine
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Extreme itching
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Muscle cramps
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Irregular heartbeat
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Uncontrolled hypertension
If these symptoms appear, especially with diabetes or hypertension, immediate testing is required.
Types of Dialysis in India
There are two major types of dialysis:
1. Hemodialysis (HD)
This is the most common type used in India.
How it works:
Blood is taken out of the body → cleaned using a dialyzer (artificial kidney) → returned to the body.
Frequency:
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3 sessions per week
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4 hours per session on average
Where it is done:
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Hospitals
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Dedicated dialysis centers
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Community health centers
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Home hemodialysis (rare in India but growing)
Best for:
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Patients with stable blood pressure
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People who can visit dialysis centers regularly
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Those who prefer supervised treatment
2. Peritoneal Dialysis (PD)
A gentler, home-based dialysis option.
How it works:
A cleansing fluid is inserted into the abdomen through a catheter → waste products pass into the fluid → fluid is drained.
Types:
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CAPD (Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis) – done manually 3–4 times/day
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APD (Automated Peritoneal Dialysis) – done at night with a machine
Best for:
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People who want flexibility
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Those living far from hospitals
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Elderly or bedridden patients
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People unable to tolerate hemodialysis
Hemodialysis vs Peritoneal Dialysis: Which Is Better?
| Factor | Hemodialysis | Peritoneal Dialysis |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Clinic/hospital | Home |
| Frequency | 3 times/week | Daily or nightly |
| Procedure | Machine-based | Fluid exchange in abdomen |
| Suitable for | Most patients | Independent & home-based care |
| Cost | Higher monthly | Comparable, sometimes costlier |
| Infection risk | Bloodstream infections | Peritoneal infections (peritonitis) |
Dialysis Cost in India
Cost varies by city, hospital type, and dialysis method.
Hemodialysis Cost
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Per session: ₹1,500 – ₹4,000
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Monthly cost: ₹15,000 – ₹40,000+
Peritoneal Dialysis Cost
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Monthly cost: ₹25,000 – ₹45,000
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Catheter insertion: ₹15,000 – ₹30,000
Additional expenses
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Blood tests
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Medications (especially for anemia, BP, bone health)
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Access surgery (fistula creation or catheter)
Government Schemes for Dialysis in India
Several Indian government initiatives support dialysis patients:
1. Pradhan Mantri National Dialysis Program (PMNDP)
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Pradhan mantri national dialysis program is for the people with BPL cards can avail the free dialysis program from national government.
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Available in district hospitals across India
2. Ayushman Bharat – PMJAY
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Covers up to ₹5 lakh annually
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Includes dialysis sessions, tests, and procedures
3. State health schemes
Different states offer dialysis support through public hospitals.
Awareness of these schemes can significantly reduce financial burden.
How Dialysis Sessions Work
Before the session:
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Weight and BP checking
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Access area cleaning
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Needles inserted (for hemodialysis)
During the session:
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Blood circulated and filtered
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Patient can watch TV, read, or sleep
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Continuous monitoring
After the session:
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Needles removed
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Bandage applied
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Fatigue is common
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Patients advised to drink limited fluids
Risks & Complications of Dialysis
Dialysis is life-saving but may have side effects.
Hemodialysis Risks
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Low blood pressure
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Muscle cramps
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Fatigue
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Nausea
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Access site infections
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Blood clotting in fistula
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Irregular heartbeat
Peritoneal Dialysis Risks
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Peritonitis (infection in abdominal cavity)
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Catheter infections
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Hernias
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Weight gain
With proper hygiene and medical supervision, complications can be minimized.
Diet & Lifestyle for Dialysis Patients
Diet plays a major role in maintaining kidney balance.
Foods to Avoid
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High potassium foods (banana, coconut water, oranges)
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High sodium foods (pickles, chips, packaged foods)
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High phosphorus foods (nuts, cheese, red meat)
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Excess water intake
Foods to Include
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White rice
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Dal in moderate amounts
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Apples, papaya, guava
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Cauliflower, cabbage, bottle gourd
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Egg whites
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Fresh homemade food
Lifestyle Tips
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Track fluid intake
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Monitor weight daily
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Avoid smoking & alcohol
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Take medications on time
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Exercise lightly after medical approval
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Get regular blood tests
How to Avoid Dialysis: Prevention Is the Key
1. Manage Diabetes (most important)
Maintain sugar levels through diet, medication, exercise.
2. Control Blood Pressure
Avoid salt, reduce stress, follow proper medication.
3. Drink enough but not excessive water
Balance is key.
4. Avoid painkillers unless prescribed
NSAIDs damage kidneys over long-term use.
5. Regular kidney tests
Especially if you have diabetes, hypertension, or family history.
6. Maintain a healthy weight
Obesity increases risk of kidney damage.
Dialysis Awareness in India: Why Education Matters
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India has 1 dedicated dialysis machine per 10,000 kidney patients
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2 lakh+ patients start dialysis every year
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Many patients reach hospitals too late
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Lack of awareness about symptoms, cost, and government support
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Rural areas face major gaps in dialysis facilities
Awareness can save lives, reduce fear, and help families make informed decisions.
Conclusion
Dialysis is a life-support therapy that helps people with kidney failure live healthier, longer lives. With millions affected by kidney disease in India, understanding dialysis—its types, cost, risks, preparation, and lifestyle modifications—is essential.
Early prevention can delay or even avoid dialysis.
Kidney diseases often progress silently. Many patients reach hospitals only when the kidneys are already damaged severely. This can be prevented through:
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Regular Kidney Function Tests (KFT)
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Routine urine tests
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Monitoring blood pressure and blood sugar
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Avoiding unnecessary painkillers
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Staying hydrated and maintaining a healthy lifestyle
Awareness is the first step toward better kidney health for India.