When kidneys fail, dialysis substitutes their functions, filtering waste and excess fluid from the blood. This procedure maintains the body’s internal balance. Without functional kidneys or dialysis, the body cannot remove toxins, leading to severe health complications.
Survival Time Without Dialysis
The duration an individual can survive without dialysis varies, generally from days to a few weeks. For those with end-stage kidney disease, survival time after stopping dialysis typically ranges from a few hours to several weeks. A 2024 study on individuals who discontinued dialysis found median survival times of 4 days for those on peritoneal dialysis and 6 days for those on hemodialysis, with individual survival times ranging from 0 to 40 days. This timeframe is influenced by residual kidney function and overall health.
Without dialysis, toxic substances accumulate, leading to a life-threatening situation. The body’s systems progressively shut down as waste products build up. Dialysis is a matter of survival for individuals whose kidneys can no longer perform their filtering duties.
Physiological Changes Without Dialysis
Without dialysis, the body undergoes detrimental physiological changes as waste substances accumulate. Waste products like urea and creatinine build up in the bloodstream, leading to uremia. This toxic environment directly impacts various organ systems.
Electrolyte imbalances also occur. Potassium levels can rise, a condition called hyperkalemia, which can disrupt heart function and become life-threatening. Sodium and calcium levels also become dysregulated, affecting nerve and muscle function. Kidney failure also causes fluid overload, leading to swelling and fluid accumulation around the lungs and heart. These systemic changes progressively impair organ function, leading to a decline in overall health.
Factors Affecting Survival
Several variables influence how long someone can survive without dialysis. Remaining kidney function is a factor; even a small degree of residual function can extend life. Individuals with some kidney activity generally fare better for a short period than those with complete kidney failure.
Underlying health conditions, also known as comorbidities, play a substantial role. Serious illnesses like heart disease, diabetes, or cancer can significantly shorten survival time. Overall health and nutritional status also contribute; stronger, better-nourished individuals may tolerate the decline longer. The reason for not initiating or stopping dialysis can also affect survival, with those stopping for psychosocial reasons sometimes living longer than those stopping due to other severe health issues.
Recognizing Advanced Kidney Failure
As kidney function declines to advanced stages without dialysis, several observable symptoms emerge. Individuals often experience profound fatigue, generalized weakness, nausea, vomiting, and a noticeable loss of appetite.
Fluid retention becomes apparent through swelling, particularly in the legs, ankles, and around the eyes. Shortness of breath can develop as fluid accumulates in the lungs. Other signs include confusion or decreased mental sharpness, muscle cramps or twitching, and a significant reduction in urine output. These symptoms collectively indicate severe kidney dysfunction and the body’s struggle to manage waste and fluid imbalances.