Why Dialysis Patients Shouldn't Drink Too Much Fluid in the Summer

 During the summer, it is generally recommended that you drink more liquids to prevent dehydration and combat the heat. However, dialysis patients should avoid drinking too much water.

According to Dr. Alok Jain, Senior Nephrologist and Rajasthan Head, VitusCare Dialysis Centers, dialysis patients might harm themselves by consuming too much fluid because it can elevate blood pressure, damage the heart, induce edoema, and make dialysis very painful.

The kidneys are in charge of preserving a proper equilibrium of water, salts, and minerals such as sodium, calcium, phosphorus, and potassium in the blood through controlling hydration and water balance. Sustaining the body's fluid level is crucial for patients on dialysis after renal failure because the kidneys can no longer eliminate excrement.

In dialysis patients, excessive liquid consumption causes serious health problems.

Dr. Jain advised that while it is natural for our bodies to take more fluids when the temperature rises in the summer, this can contribute to excess fluid collection in the body, especially in dialysis patients.

As a result, he encouraged dialysis patients to keep track of their fluids intake over the summer to avoid further health problems.

According to Dr. Jain, "Dialysis patients with CKD-5 (Chronic Kidney Disease - Stage 5) must limit their fluid consumption during the summer months since they rely largely on dialysis to remove fluids stored in their bodies. Excess fluid in the body can interfere with their regular routine and cause blood pressure decreases during dialysis."

According to Dr. Jain, 30-40% of dialysis patients who visit his clinic on a regular basis do not adequately moderate their water intake.

He explained that dialysis patients sometimes drink water-rich summer fruits like watermelons and muskmelons, as well as fruit juices, buttermilk, tea, and/or coffee, all of which contribute to their total consumption of water. Patients on dialysis must be careful about their fluid consumption since it inevitably leads to surplus fluid buildup in the body, he warned.

How much liquid should a dialysis patient drink each day?

Dr. Jain responded that a patient receiving dialysis every two days should drink no more than 1-1.5 litres of liquid every day. This recommendation is based on the assumption that each dialysis session can remove 3-3.5 litres of extra fluid.

"Sipping water from small cups rather than a glass is the greatest approach to control liquid intake. This will aid in the reduction of thirst. Furthermore, patients should strive to stay indoors as much as possible because exposure to the sun will enhance the desire to drink more water. Non-diabetic patients might also consider chewing a toffee or chewing gum to feel hydrated. When going out in the summer, always bring an umbrella and avoid intense activity. Controlling water consumption is crucial for any dialysis patient throughout the hot summer months "explained the doctor.