31 Kidney Specialist Words To Know: Nephrologist

Kidneys are bean-shaped organs located on either side of the spine, just below the rib cage. They perform a variety of important functions, including:

- Filtering waste products from the blood
- Regulating blood pressure
- Producing hormones that help to control red blood cell production and bone health

When the kidneys are damaged or diseased, they cannot perform these functions properly. This can lead to a number of health problems, including:

- Kidney failure
- High blood pressure
- Anemia
- Bone disease

Nephrologists are doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of kidney diseases. They can provide a variety of services, including:

- Medical management of kidney disease
- Dialysis
- Kidney transplantation

If you have kidney disease, it is important to see a nephrologist regularly. They can help you manage your condition and prevent further complications.

1.Nephrologist

A nephrologist is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of kidney diseases. Nephrologists are often called kidney doctors or kidney specialists.

2.Nephrology

Nephrology is the branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of kidney diseases. Nephrologists are doctors who have received specialized training in nephrology.

3.Kidney Disease

Kidney disease is a condition in which the kidneys are damaged or diseased. Kidney disease can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Family history of kidney disease

4.Kidney Failure

Kidney failure is a condition in which the kidneys are no longer able to function properly. Kidney failure can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

- Advanced kidney disease
- Severe injury or infection
- Certain medications

5.Dialysis

Dialysis is a treatment that helps to remove waste products from the blood when the kidneys are not working properly. Dialysis can be performed in two ways:

- Hemodialysis: This type of dialysis uses a machine to filter the blood.
- Peritoneal dialysis: This type of dialysis uses the lining of the abdomen to filter the blood.

6.Kidney Transplantation

Kidney transplantation is a surgery that replaces a diseased kidney with a healthy kidney from a donor. Kidney transplantation is the best treatment for kidney failure.

7.Kidney Stones

Kidney stones are hard deposits that can form in the kidneys. Kidney stones can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

- Dehydration
- High levels of calcium or phosphate in the urine
- Obesity
- Family history of kidney stones

8.Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection of the urinary tract. UTIs can be caused by a variety of bacteria, including:

- Escherichia coli (E. coli)
- Staphylococcus saprophyticus
- Klebsiella pneumoniae

9.Overactive Bladder

Overactive bladder is a condition in which the bladder becomes overactive and causes frequent urination. Overactive bladder can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

- Age
- Diabetes
- Neurological disorders
- Medications

10.Urinary Incontinence

Urinary incontinence is a condition in which a person loses control of their bladder and leaks urine. Urinary incontinence can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

- Weak pelvic floor muscles
- Damage to the nerves that control the bladder
- Overactive bladder
- Medications

11.Nocturia

Nocturia is a condition in which a person wakes up at night to urinate. Nocturia can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

- Overactive bladder
- Diabetes
- Prostate enlargement
- Medications

12.Proteinuria

Proteinuria is a condition in which protein is present in the urine. Proteinuria can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

- Kidney disease
- Diabetes
- Preeclampsia
- Medications

13.Hematuria

Hematuria is a condition in which blood is present in the urine. Hematuria can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

- Kidney disease
- Urinary tract infection
- Kidney stones
- Prostate enlargement
- Medications

14.Pyuria

Pyuria is a condition in which pus is present in the urine. Pyuria is usually caused by a urinary tract infection.

15.Bacteriuria

Bacteriuria is a condition in which bacteria are present in the urine. Bacteriuria is usually caused by a urinary tract infection.

16.Renal Cell Carcinoma

Renal cell carcinoma is a type of cancer that starts in the cells of the kidney. Renal cell carcinoma is the most common type of kidney cancer.

17.Wilms Tumor

Wilms tumor is a type of cancer that starts in the kidneys of children. Wilms tumor is the most common type of kidney cancer in children.

18.Kidney Transplant Rejection

Kidney transplant rejection is a condition in which the body's immune system attacks the transplanted kidney. Kidney transplant rejection can occur in the early or late stages after a transplant.

19.Kidney Transplant Complications

Kidney transplant complications can include:

- Infection
- Bleeding
- Blood clots
- Rejection
- Failure of the transplanted kidney

20.Dialysis Complications

Dialysis complications can include:

- Infection
- Blood clots
- Anemia
- Bone disease
- Heart disease

21.Kidney Disease Statistics

- About 15% of adults in the United States have chronic kidney disease.
- About 11% of adults in the United States have kidney stones.
- About 1% of adults in the United States have urinary incontinence.
- About 5% of children in the United States have urinary tract infections.
- About 3% of adults in the United States have kidney cancer.

22.Kidney Disease Prevention

There are a number of things you can do to help prevent kidney disease, including:

- Control your blood sugar levels if you have diabetes.
- Keep your blood pressure under control.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Get regular exercise.
- Avoid smoking.
- Drink plenty of fluids.
- Eat a healthy diet.
- Get vaccinated against hepatitis B and hepatitis C.
- Avoid using nonsteroidal