Nephrologists Near me

A nephrologist is a doctor who specializes in nephrology, a medical specialty that focuses on the treatment of the conditions that affect the kidneys. Nephrologists have expertise in treating the diseases that affect the kidneys and how the kidney diseases or the improper functioning of kidneys can affect the other parts of the body as well. 

Besides treating kidney diseases, nephrologists also get involved in the treatment of other medical conditions which can affect the functioning of the kidneys such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, and other autoimmune conditions. So, nephrologists work together with other specialty doctors as well in order to preserve kidney health.

The kidneys are the crucial organs of the renal system. They are responsible for eliminating the wastes, extra fluid, and toxins out of the body through urine. The primary functions of the kidneys also include:

• Regulating the amount of fluid in the body
• Maintaining acid-base balance
• Producing red blood cells
• Maintaining ideal blood pressure with the production of appropriate hormones
• Maintenance of bone health

• Chronic kidney disease
• Kidney stones
• Kidney infections
• Kidney cancer
• Polycystic kidney disease
• Nephrotic syndrome
• Renal artery stenosis
• Kidney failure
• End-stage kidney disease

In the initial stages of kidney disease, no major symptoms are observed. But as the disease progresses, a lot of signs and symptoms can develop slowly and eventually get worse, if not treated in time. 

Here are the signs and symptoms of kidney disease which need medical attention from a nephrologist:

• Unintended weight loss
• Poor appetite
• Swelling in ankles, feet, or hands due to water retention
• Fatigue
• Blood in urine
• Increased urination, especially at night
• Insomnia
• Itchy skin
• Muscle cramps
• Feeling sick
• Headaches
• Shortness of breath

As a first step in the diagnosis of kidney diseases, the nephrologist would collect all the information regarding your medical history, to confirm whether you have undergone any surgery for the same problem in the past or for other medical conditions that could affect your kidney health. Also, the nephrologist will discuss your family history to access your risk of developing kidney diseases.

Once the nephrologist is informed about all required information regarding your daily routine, physical symptoms, and medication, the doctor may suggest the following investigations to diagnose kidney disease:

• Blood tests: The kidney function tests assess the levels of waste products such as creatinine and urea present in the blood
• Urine tests: Urine examination can reveal the abnormalities in the sample which can lead to kidney failure and help identify the cause of kidney diseases.
• Imaging tests: Imaging tests like X-rays, ultrasounds, or CT scans can help nephrologists to examine the size and structure of kidneys and assess whether they seem normal or not.
• Biopsy: In a biopsy, a sample of kidney tissue is collected and sent to the lab to determine what is the cause of kidney disease.

The treatment options for kidney disease depends on the symptoms and the extent of kidney damage that happened. According to the patient’s condition, a nephrologist can treat kidney diseases with the following options:

• Medical management: Medical management does not serve as a treatment option for kidney diseases. But, it can help with the symptoms of kidney disease and improves one’s quality of life until their body can no longer function. A nephrologist prefers medical management only if the patient cannot get dialysis or a transplant.
• Dialysis: Dialysis is the procedure that helps the body to get rid of waste products and extra fluids out of it. It is a reliable option for patients suffering from other medical conditions that led to kidney failure.
• Kidney Transplant: Kidney transplant is a life-saving procedure in which the damaged kidney is replaced by a healthy kidney from a donor. This surgery is done when the patient’s kidney can no longer work with the help of medicines or dialysis.