What is a common method for patients to receive regular kidney function support?

Dialysis is a common method for patients to receive regular kidney function support, particularly for those experiencing kidney failure or severe kidney impairment. This procedure artificially removes waste products and excess fluids from the blood when the kidneys are no longer able to perform this function adequately. There are two primary forms of dialysis: hemodialysis, which cleans the blood outside the body using a machine, and peritoneal dialysis, which uses the lining of the abdomen to filter blood inside the body.

Regular dialysis sessions are crucial for individuals who do not have functioning kidneys, as they help maintain a proper balance of electrolytes and remove toxins from the bloodstream, thus preventing complications related to kidney failure. As such, dialysis serves as a vital life-sustaining treatment, allowing patients to manage their kidney conditions effectively.

While oral medication and nutrition therapy can support kidney function and overall health, they do not directly replace the essential filtering functions that kidneys perform. Physical therapy focuses on mobility and physical recovery rather than managing kidney function. Therefore, dialysis stands out as the definitive treatment for patients requiring consistent kidney function support.