The word "haemodialysis" refers to a medical procedure that cleanses the blood of toxins and excess fluids using an external machine. It is spelled with the combination of "haemo-" meaning blood, "-di-" meaning two, and "-lysis" meaning separation or loosening. The proper pronunciation of "haemodialysis" is /hiːmədaɪˈæləsɪs/, with the phonetic symbols indicating the long "e" sound of "ee," the schwa sound of "uh," and the stress on the "a" in "al-." This word showcases the importance of accurate spelling and phonetic representation in medical terminology.
Haemodialysis is a medical procedure used to filter and purify the blood for individuals whose kidneys are not functioning properly. It is a form of renal replacement therapy that aids in cleaning the blood of waste products, excessive fluids, and other harmful substances.
During haemodialysis, an artificial kidney, known as a dialyser, is used to remove impurities from the blood. The dialyser is connected to a machine that acts as a filter and pump, helping to circulate the blood outside the body and removing toxins.
Typically, haemodialysis is prescribed for patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or acute kidney injury (AKI) to compensate for the lost or diminished function of their own kidneys. It is usually performed several times a week in a healthcare setting, such as a hospital or dialysis centre, under the supervision of trained medical professionals.
The procedure involves attaching two needles, known as vascular access points, to the patient's arm. One needle withdraws blood from the body, which then flows through the dialyser to remove waste, excess fluids, and toxins. The purified blood is then returned to the body through the second needle.
Haemodialysis plays a critical role in managing kidney failure and helping individuals with compromised kidney function to lead relatively normal lives. It helps in maintaining electrolyte balance, managing blood pressure levels, and reducing the accumulation of toxins in the bloodstream.
The word "haemodialysis" is derived from Greek roots.
The term "haemo" is derived from the Greek word "haima" (αἷμα), meaning "blood".
The term "dialysis" comes from the Greek word "dialusis" (διάλυσις), which means "dissolution" or "separation".
Therefore, "haemodialysis" is a compound word where "haemo-" refers to blood and "dialysis" refers to the process of separating or removing waste from the blood.