It is a medical specialization that concentrates on evaluating, A NEPHROLOGIST IS A SPECIALIST IN KIDNEYS diagnosing, and treating various kidney ailments. They are specially trained to treat kidney problems and their consequences upon other organs. Riverside Nephrology provides the best nephrology physicians in the USA. If your physician suspects that you may be suffering from kidney issues, he or they may recommend you to a nephrologist.
A Nephrologist is a specialist in kidneys. They can treat kidney diseases.
Nephrology is one of the specialties within internal medicine. To become a nephrologist, you need to:
Who is a Nephrologist?
First, learn a general course in medicine.
Then, take the N, take four years for internal medicine.
Finally, you can take a two or three one-year postgraduate degree in the field of nephrology.
Nephrologists are often the ones to care for patients referred to them by specialists or family doctors or who are seen in hospitals. They also supervise dialysis wards in hospitals or clinics. In addition, nephrologists may focus on research in clinical settings.
What are the diseases that nephrologists treat?
Who is a Nephrologist? |
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The kidney specialists treat both, directly and indirectly, conditions that affect or harm the kidneys.
A few of the conditions that a nephrologist can treat include the following:
- Kidney infection
- Kidney cancer
- Defects in the urinary tract
- Chronic kidney disease or advanced
- Diarrhoeal and tubular kidney disease
- Kidney-related autoimmune disorders, like vasculitis
- Kidney vascular diseases that affect the renal artery, for example, narrowing
- Fluid-acid imbalances or electrolytes
- Certain metabolic diseases like diabetes and high blood pressure
- Glomerular conditions, like Nephrotic syndrome and glomerulonephritis
Functional or structural problems of the bladder, kidney, or urinary tract like Nephrolithiasis
How do nephrologists detect kidney disease?
The most frequent tests prescribed for kidney diseases include urine and blood tests. The kidneys eliminate excess fluids and waste products from the blood and then excrete them into the urine. Therefore, blood and urine tests reveal kidney function. Urine tests can also look for any abnormal levels of proteins that are associated with kidney damage.
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A typical blood test includes the following:
Serum creatinine. The body creates creatinine as a result of the activity of muscles. However, the rise in blood creatinine levels is often an indication of kidney disease. The stories of creatinine in the blood depend on variables like the size of your body, age, and race. If the value is higher than 1.2 for women and more than 1.4 for men could indicate kidney disease.
Glomerular filtration rate. The rate of filtration by the glomerulus (GFR) measures whether kidneys are in a good position to remove excess fluid and waste blood. Nephrologists determine it by calculating the serum creatinine level and other factors that affect gender, age, and race. GFR levels usually decrease as we age and can be based on signs that suggest that:
90 or more (average)
60 or less (kidney dysfunction)
Blood Urea nitrogen (BUN) levels increase with reduced kidney function
15, or less (kidney failure, and the need to dialysis or a kidney transplant)
Blood urea nitrogen. Urea nitrogen occurs as a product of the body’s waste, which results from the digestion of protein from food and drinks. Usually, the blood Urea nitrogen (BUN) levels increase with reduced kidney function. In general, BUN levels range between 7 and 20.
Urine tests. The most frequently used urine tests consist of the following:
Urine analysis
To conduct the urine test, the nephrologist is usually examined a urine sample under a microscope for any anomalies. The urine analysis can also include the dipstick test, in which the nephrologist will insert small strips of chemicals into the urine sample. If the test strip is in contact with abnormal blood levels, proteins, bacteria, sugar, or pus, it’ll change hue.
Urinary test for 24 hours
Patients at risk of kidney disease
In a urine test that is 24 hours in duration, one collects his urine throughout the day to measure how much urine kidneys make, and the number of electrolytes and protein is absorbed into the bloodstream each day. Riverside Nephrology provides the best Transplant Coordinator in the USA. Microalbuminuria. Microalbuminuria tests are an accurate variant of the dipstick test, which will reveal a tiny amount of albumin protein present in the urine. Patients at risk of kidney disease, for example, people with elevated blood pressure or with metabolic illnesses like diabetes, can look for additional proteins in the blood (proteinuria) if the routine dipstick test is not favorable. Take the test.
Other diagnostic techniques. Nephrologists utilize various techniques to aid in diagnosing and treating kidney diseases. The methods used include:
Sonography
Ultrasound makes use of sound waves to produce images of kidneys. This test will reveal modifications in size and position of the kidneys and obstructions. The obstruction could be caused by an obstruction caused by a cyst, tumor, or kidney stone.
CT scans utilize X-rays to produce a picture of the kidneys. Sometimes, they do this using intravenous contrast agents to obtain a better image of kidneys. This test may reveal any obstructions or irregularities within the kidneys. However, the contrast agent can be a problem for those suffering from kidney diseases.
When performing a biopsy (sampling) using a small needle, minor cuts are made using kidney tissue to determine the pathology. Nephrologists can take samples for any of the following:
Determine the extent of damage to the kidneys
Aid in determining the cause of transplant problems
To better understand the process of disease and to predict the reaction to treatment
How can nephrologists manage kidney disease?
Hemodialysis
Hemodialysis refers to the flow of blood from a vein in a patient into an artificial kidney, referred to as hemodialysis. It is used to eliminate waste products, fluids, and excess chemicals. Then, the blood will go back to your body. Finally, the blood returns to the body via a leg, arm, or neck. Hemodialysis is typically used to treat end-stage renal disease where the kidneys have lost approximately 85-90 percent in their function, and the GFR falls below 15. Patients usually require four hours 3 times per week. The nephrologist typically monitors the sessions.
Kidney transplant
Transplantation removes damage to the kidney and then replaces it with a donor’s kidney. Surgeons carry out the procedure, and nephrologists generally assist patients through the process together with a team of care providers.
When should you see a nephrologist?
Your physician or emergency physician could refer you to a kidney specialist if they show symptoms or signs of moderate, chronic, or severe kidney impairment. Common signs and symptoms of kidney issues that are severe are:
- Headache
- Itching
- Nausea
- Loss of weight without cause
- Urine blood (hematuria)
- The pain, swelling, or stiffness of joints
- Reduced sense of food and appetite
- The swelling of the limbs is typically in the legs and ankles
- The fatigue that occurs during the day can cause problems sleeping at night
- The muscles cramp, the numbness, weakness in the legs
- A decrease in urination is not caused by dehydration.
Unexplained blood pressure or heart problems and memory or concentration issues
If you are suffering from a medical condition that requires treatment, your Doctor might refer you to a nephrologist to help reduce the likelihood of developing kidney disease. The most common medical risk factors for kidney diseases include:
Cardiac disorders
High blood pressure
Metabolic disorders like diabetes
How can you tell the difference between an Urologist and a nephrologist?
Who is a Nephrologist? | Doctor