Fluid Calculation

Most dialysis patients need to limit their fluid intake to be as healthy as possible. Too much fluid can raise blood pressure, damage the heart, cause swelling, and make dialysis very uncomfortable. If excess fluid removed during dialysis, patients can experience a sudden drop in blood pressure, which usually occurs toward the end of a dialysis treatment. One may feel nauseated, weak and tired because the body may not be used to having so much fluid removed at once.

Fluids are typically limited on a dialysis diet, but the exact amount you should have each day may depend on your health and the type of dialysis you are on. People on at-home peritoneal dialysis may have fewer fluid restrictions, while people on in-clinic hemodialysis generally have greater limitations to their fluid intake.

People on dialysis should calculate their fluid basis their urine output, if one has a Nil or very little urine output (less than a litre) then the total fluid allowance recommended is 1 litre per day. However, if you have good amount of urine (more than one litre per day), one needs to calculate the urine output during 24 hours and fluid allowed is urine output + 500ml.

What is total fluid? It includes all liquid foods that come in your diet including water. The fluid consistency in dals, soups, gravies, beverages etc. all add up to the total fluid that needs to be calculated. Also, sugar and salt are water lovers. Restriction is hence made to ensure that fluid does not build up in your body thereby making you uncomfortable.

Speak to your Nephrologist/Dietician to know your daily fluid limit and plan accordingly. Ideally a weight gain of less than 2-2.5 litres when on weekly thrice dialysis is appreciated. Anything over and above that would cause trouble.