When kidneys fail, the body loses its ability to flush out excess fluids, making dialysis essential. However, fluid accumulation between dialysis sessions can lead to severe complications like breathlessness and high blood pressure. This fluid overload puts immense strain on the heart, significantly increasing the risk of a cardiovascular collapse.

The Golden Rule of Fluid Intake Medical experts generally advise dialysis patients to limit their fluid intake to 500–700 ml per day. The precise formula involves adding 500 ml to the total volume of urine passed in the previous 24 hours. It is crucial to remember that “fluid” includes not just water, but also tea, soup, dal, and even ice.

Managing Thirst and Weight To prevent fluid overload, patients should drastically reduce salt intake, as sodium triggers thirst. Using smaller glasses for water or sucking on a small ice cube can help manage the urge to drink. Monitoring body weight daily is vital, ensuring the weight gain between two sessions does not exceed 2 kg to avoid life-threatening pressure on the organs.

At a Glance

• Fluid overload between dialysis sessions can lead to heart failure.
• Daily fluid limit: Previous 24-hour urine output + 500 ml.
• All liquids like tea, coffee, and soups must be counted in the daily quota.
• Weight gain between dialysis cycles should stay under 2 kg.