Question

_____ can keep people with kidney failure alive, but it cannot cure them.

Short answer

Dialysis can keep people with kidney failure alive, but it cannot cure them.

Step-by-step solution

Identify the Medical Treatment

We need to identify the medical procedure that can support individuals with kidney failure. Kidney failure occurs when the kidneys are no longer able to filter waste effectively from the blood. The treatment for kidney failure involves a method to artificially perform this filtering function.

Understand the Function of the Treatment

The most common method of supporting people with kidney failure is dialysis. Dialysis is a treatment process that removes waste products and excess fluids from the blood when the kidneys can no longer perform this function effectively. It acts as an artificial replacement for lost kidney function.

Recognize the Limitations

While dialysis effectively removes waste and excess fluids from the blood, it does not cure kidney failure. Patients on dialysis often need treatment several times per week to manage their condition, as the underlying issue of kidney damage remains.

Key concepts

Kidney Failure

Kidney failure is a serious medical condition where the kidneys lose their ability to filter waste and excess fluids from the blood. When this happens, waste products and fluids build up in the body, which can lead to severe health issues. The kidneys have a crucial role in maintaining balance within the body by regulating electrolytes, filtering waste, and controlling blood pressure.
People can experience acute kidney failure, which happens suddenly, or chronic kidney failure, which occurs over time due to conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure. Symptoms of kidney failure include:

• Swelling in the legs and ankles
• Fatigue and weakness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Confusion or difficulty thinking clearly
• Persistent itching

Early detection and treatment are vital for managing kidney failure effectively. Regular check-ups with healthcare providers can help in monitoring kidney function and addressing health challenges as they arise.

Medical Treatment

Medical treatment for kidney failure focuses on restoring the functions that the kidneys can no longer perform. The primary method of treatment is dialysis, which plays a critical role in maintaining the health of people with kidney failure.
There are two main types of dialysis:

• Hemodialysis: This method uses a machine to filter blood outside the body. Blood is drawn out, purified through a dialyzer (artificial kidney), and returned to the body. It is usually performed three times a week at a dialysis center.


• Peritoneal Dialysis: This type uses the lining of the belly to filter blood. A cleansing fluid flows into the abdomen and removes waste products, which are then drained away. It can be performed at home, allowing for more flexibility.

While these treatments help manage the symptoms, they are not a cure for kidney failure. They help patients live productive lives by taking over the essential functions of the kidneys.

Artificial Kidney Function

Dialysis acts as an artificial kidney, stepping in to perform critical functions that failing kidneys can no longer handle.
Key roles of dialysis include:

• Removing waste products and toxins from the blood
• Balancing levels of electrolytes, such as sodium, potassium, and bicarbonate


• Removing excess fluid to prevent overload, which can affect the heart and lungs

By doing so, dialysis mitigates the symptoms and complications associated with kidney failure. However, while dialysis supports survival, it requires strict adherence to schedule and diet, and the commitment of undergoing regular treatments.

Limitations of Dialysis

Despite the lifesaving role of dialysis, it is important to understand its limitations. Dialysis does not cure kidney failure; it is a supportive treatment that requires ongoing sessions to manage the condition.
Some limitations include:

• Time-Consuming: Dialysis can be a lengthy process, typically requiring multiple sessions per week, each lasting several hours.
• Side Effects: Patients may experience fatigue, muscle cramps, and low blood pressure during or after treatment.
• Restrictive Diet: Patients often need to adhere to a strict diet to prevent complications such as fluid overload or electrolyte imbalance.


• Lifestyle Impact: Dialysis can significantly impact daily life, dictating schedules and limiting the ability to travel freely.

While dialysis extends the lives of those with kidney failure, it highlights the need for advancements in treatments and the importance of finding a long-term solution such as a kidney transplant.