Peritoneal Dialysis: What It Is, How It Works, and What You Need to Know

When your kidneys can’t do their job anymore, peritoneal dialysis, a home-based treatment that uses the lining of your abdomen to filter blood. Also known as PD, it’s a life-sustaining option for people with chronic kidney disease, a condition where kidney function drops below 15% for three months or more. Unlike hemodialysis, which needs a machine and a clinic visit three times a week, peritoneal dialysis lets you do the treatment yourself, often while you sleep.

This method works because your peritoneal membrane, a thin layer of tissue lining your abdominal cavity acts like a natural filter. A special fluid called dialysate is gently pumped into your belly through a catheter. Waste and extra fluid from your blood pass through this membrane into the fluid, which is then drained out. It’s not magic—it’s physics and biology working together. People with kidney failure, the final stage of chronic kidney disease where dialysis or transplant is required often choose this because it’s flexible, less disruptive, and doesn’t require needles.

But it’s not for everyone. You need to be able to handle the daily routine, keep your catheter site clean, and follow strict hygiene rules. Infections like peritonitis are a real risk if you’re not careful. Still, for many, the freedom to do it at home, on your own schedule, makes it worth the effort. It’s especially common for older adults, people with heart issues, or those who prefer to avoid frequent trips to a dialysis center.

What you’ll find in the posts below isn’t just theory—it’s real-world insight. You’ll see how peritoneal dialysis fits into daily life, what medications are safe to take alongside it, how to spot early signs of trouble, and what to do when complications arise. We cover how it interacts with heart meds, what to watch for with fluid balance, and how to avoid common mistakes that lead to hospital visits. Whether you’re a patient, a caregiver, or just trying to understand what this treatment really means, these articles give you the clear, no-fluff facts you need to make smarter choices.