What is a “Nephrologist”?

MelvinSundberg

Nephrologist are specialists in kidney conditions. The number of kidney problems is on the rise worldwide, with millions of people undergoing treatment Nephrologist for chronic kidney disease (CKD) or kidney injury. Kidney disease is the 12th leading cause for death worldwide and the 9th in the United States.

The United States has 15% of the population with chronic kidney disease. However, 90% of Americans don’t realize it or don’t see a nephrologist until their condition becomes more severe and costly.

Due to chronic conditions, having your liver or kidneys fail is more common than having them malfunction. High blood pressure, diabetes, obesity and heart disease are all possible causes of kidney disease. Even if you don’t have these conditions, high blood pressure or heart disease can develop.

Chronic kidney disease can lead to other health problems such as anaemia, osteoporosis and irregular heartbeats. This is a clear indication of the importance of having healthy kidneys and being proactive about seeing a nephrologist to treat any kidney problems you may have.

A management plan can be developed by nephrologists to help you overcome low-functioning renal. Sometimes, kidney damage can be reversed if it is caught early.

What does a Nephrologist do?

Nephrology, also known as renal medicine, is a subspecialty within internal medicine that focuses on kidney care. It can be associated with high blood pressure or hypertension.

A nephrologist is a medical professional who diagnoses, treats, and manages acute and chronic kidney diseases and problems. They can also address issues such as high blood pressure, fluid retention, electrolyte imbalances, and mineral imbalances. These specialists also manage kidney dialysis treatments, both hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis, as well as kidney transplants and follow-up care.

Experts in kidney health, nephrologists can help you identify and fix any problems with your kidneys. Your kidneys filter your blood to remove toxins and waste, and monitor and balance the water, acid, and mineral levels in your body.

Your body can become unhealthy if it doesn’t have proper blood filtering and balanced nutrients. Low kidney function can lead to chronic kidney disease, kidney failure or end-stage kidney disease. You may need dialysis every other day.

A nephrologist can help you determine the best treatment plan. To ensure you receive the best possible care, they keep up to date with medical Regular Chicken advances for your kidney condition.

Education and Training

Specialized medical doctors with advanced training in nephrology are called nephrologists. They complete medical school, a fellowship and are certified by the board in their field.

Involves

To become a Doctor of Medicine (MD), or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, you must complete four years of medical school.

Three-year residency in internal Medicine

A fellowship of two to three years in nephrology with the possibility of a year-long fellowship or interventional nephrology.

To become board-certified in nephrology, you must pass the American Board of Internal Medicine certification exam

There are many reasons to see a Nephrologist

A referral from their primary doctor is required for most people to see a nephrologist. A referral to a nephrologist usually means you have kidney-related symptoms that are not clear or you have other health problems that only a specialist in renal disease can treat. If you experience any of the following symptoms or signs, a nephrologist may be recommended.

Chronic Urinary Tract Infections

You are more likely to get urinary tract infections (UTI), which is primarily bladder infections. You are also more likely to develop kidney disease, permanent damage to your kidneys, or even complete kidney failure. UTI symptoms such as blood in the urine, fever, fatigue, and bloody urine can all indicate early stages of kidney or bladder cancer.

Recurring Kidney Stones Nephrologist

Kidney stones, which are made up of mineral- or salt-based deposits in your kidneys, can cause severe pain when they pass through your urinary tract. Your kidneys may not be filtering waste correctly and allowing deposits to accumulate if you have a lot of them.