Kidney Specialist is Called: The 3 Most Important Things You Need to Know

What is a Kidney Specialist?

A kidney specialist, also known as a nephrologist, is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of kidney diseases. Nephrologists are trained to provide comprehensive care for patients with kidney problems, including:

• Acute kidney injury (AKI), which is a sudden loss of kidney function
• Chronic kidney disease (CKD), which is a gradual loss of kidney function over time
• End-stage renal disease (ESRD), which is the complete loss of kidney function and typically requires dialysis or a kidney transplant

When Should You See a Kidney Specialist?

You should see a kidney specialist if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:

• Decreased urine output
• Increased thirst
• Fatigue
• Nausea and vomiting
• Confusion
• Swelling in your feet, ankles, hands, or face
• High blood pressure
• Anemia

How to Find a Kidney Specialist

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of kidney disease, your primary care doctor can refer you to a kidney specialist. You can also search for a kidney specialist in your area by visiting the website of the American Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP).

Here are some additional tips for finding a kidney specialist:

• Ask your friends, family, or other healthcare providers for recommendations.
• Look for a kidney specialist who is board-certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM).
• Choose a kidney specialist who has experience treating the type of kidney disease that you have.
• Make sure that the kidney specialist is available to see you when you need to be seen.
• Be sure to ask about their experience and success rates.
• Trust your instincts and choose a kidney specialist that you feel comfortable with.

What to Expect at Your First Appointment

At your first appointment with a kidney specialist, you will be asked about your symptoms, medical history, and family history. The kidney specialist will also perform a physical exam and order some blood and urine tests. These tests will help the kidney specialist to diagnose your condition and recommend the best course of treatment.

Treatment for Kidney Disease

The treatment for kidney disease will vary depending on the type of kidney disease that you have. Some common treatments for kidney disease include:

• Medications to lower blood pressure, control blood sugar, and reduce inflammation
• Dialysis to remove waste products from your blood
• Kidney transplant to replace a damaged kidney with a healthy kidney

Preventing Kidney Disease

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

• Control your blood pressure. High blood pressure is a leading cause of kidney disease.
• Control your blood sugar. Diabetes is a leading cause of kidney disease.
• Lose weight if you are overweight or obese. Obesity is a risk factor for kidney disease.
• Eat a healthy diet. A healthy diet can help to keep your kidneys healthy.
• Get regular exercise. Exercise can help to lower blood pressure and improve kidney function.
• Don't smoke. Smoking is a risk factor for kidney disease.
• Limit your alcohol intake. Alcohol can damage the kidneys.
• Take medications as directed by your doctor. Some medications can damage the kidneys.

Conclusion

Kidney disease is a serious condition, but it is treatable. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of kidney disease, it is important to see a kidney specialist right away. Early diagnosis and treatment can help to prevent kidney damage and improve your overall health.

Additional Information

For more information about kidney disease, please visit the following websites:

• American Association of Kidney Patients
• National Kidney Foundation
• NephCure

4 Useful Tables for Understanding Kidney Disease

| Table 1: Stages of Chronic Kidney Disease |
|---|---|
| Stage | Description |
| 1 | Mild kidney damage with normal kidney function |
| 2 | Mild to moderate kidney damage with slightly decreased kidney function |
| 3 | Moderate to severe kidney damage with moderately decreased kidney function |
| 4 | Severe kidney damage with significantly decreased kidney function |
| 5 | End-stage renal disease (ESRD) with complete loss of kidney function |

| Table 2: Symptoms of Kidney Disease |
|---|---|
| Symptom | Description |
| Decreased urine output | Passing less urine than usual |
| Increased thirst | Feeling thirsty even after drinking plenty of fluids |
| Fatigue | Feeling tired or weak |
| Nausea and vomiting | Feeling sick to your stomach and vomiting |
| Confusion | Difficulty thinking clearly |
| Swelling in your feet, ankles, hands, or face | Fluid retention |
| High blood pressure | Blood pressure that is higher than normal |
| Anemia | A condition in which you have too few red blood cells |

| Table 3: Risk Factors for Kidney Disease |
|---|---|
| Risk Factor | Description |
| Diabetes | A condition in which your body does not make enough insulin or does not use insulin well |
| High blood pressure | Blood pressure that is higher than normal |
| Obesity | A condition in which you are overweight or obese |
| Family history of kidney disease | Having a family member with kidney disease increases your risk of developing the condition |
| Age | Your risk of kidney disease increases as you get older |
| Race | African Americans and Native Americans are at a higher risk of developing kidney disease than other races |

| Table 4: Effective Strategies for Preventing Kidney Disease |
|---|---|
| Strategy | Description |
| Control your blood pressure | High blood pressure is a leading cause of kidney disease. |
| Control your blood sugar | Diabetes is a leading cause of kidney disease. |
| Lose weight if you are overweight or obese | Obesity is a risk factor for kidney disease. |
| Eat a healthy diet | A healthy diet can help to keep your kidneys healthy. |
| Get regular exercise | Exercise can help to lower blood pressure and improve kidney function. |
| Don't smoke | Smoking is a risk factor for kidney disease. |
| Limit your alcohol intake | Alcohol can damage the kidneys. |
| Take medications as directed by your doctor | Some medications can damage the kidneys. |

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Managing Kidney Disease

• Not following your doctor's orders.
• Not taking your medications as prescribed.
• Not eating a healthy diet.
• Not getting regular exercise.
• Smoking.
• Drinking alcohol.
• Taking medications that can damage the kidneys.
• Ignoring the symptoms of kidney disease.
• Not seeing your doctor for regular checkups.

How to Step-by-Step Approach to Managing Kidney Disease

1. Follow your doctor's orders.
2. Take your medications as prescribed.
3. Eat a healthy diet.
4. Get regular exercise.
5. Don't smoke.
6. Limit your alcohol intake.
7. Take medications as directed by your doctor.
8. See your doctor for regular checkups.