Nephrology
Our specialists in the area of nephrology have years of practical experience.
RENAL-RELATED CONDITIONS WE TREAT:
All stages of Chronic Kidney Disease, Kidney Nutrition Counseling, Diabetic Nephropathy, Acute Kidney Conditions, Blood Pressure , Management, Anemia Management, Renal-Related Diabetes Management, Metabolic Bone Disease Management, Renal Transplant, Glomerulonephritis, Polycystic Kidney Disease, Autoimmune Kidney Disease.
Nephrologists are medical doctors who specialize in the field of nephrology, which involves the diagnosis, treatment, and management of kidney-related conditions and disorders. Nephrologists play a critical role in maintaining kidney health and addressing various kidney-related issues.
Here are some key aspects of what nephrologists do:
- Kidney Disease Diagnosis. Nephrologists diagnose and assess various kidney-related diseases and conditions, including chronic kidney disease (CKD), acute kidney injury (AKI), kidney stones, polycystic kidney disease, and glomerulonephritis, among others.
- Medical Management. Nephrologists develop and implement treatment plans for individuals with kidney disorders. They prescribe medications, manage complications, and monitor the progression of kidney disease.
- Dialysis and Transplantation. Nephrologists are involved in the management of dialysis, a procedure that filters waste and excess fluids from the blood when the kidneys are not functioning properly. They also evaluate and prepare patients for kidney transplantation, as well as provide post-transplant care.
- Hypertension Management. Nephrologists specialize in managing high blood pressure (hypertension), which is consequently a leading cause of kidney damage. They work to control blood pressure and prevent further kidney-related complications.
- Electrolyte and Fluid Balance. Nephrologists monitor and manage electrolyte levels (such as sodium, potassium, and calcium) and fluid balance in the body. Particulary, kidneys play a crucial role in regulating these levels, and nephrologists ensure that imbalances are addressed.
- Diabetic Kidney Disease. Nephrologists play a role in managing kidney complications related to diabetes, a common cause of kidney damage.
- Consultations and Referrals. Other medical professionals often refer patients to nephrologists for evaluation and management of kidney-related concerns. Further, nephrologists collaborate with primary care doctors and other specialists to provide comprehensive care.
- Patient Education. Nephrologists educate patients about kidney health, lifestyle modifications, and strategies to manage and slow the progression of kidney disease.
- Research and Innovation. Many nephrologists are involved in research to advance the understanding and treatment of kidney disorders, contributing to the development of new therapies and treatment approaches.
Nephrology is a specialized field that addresses a wide range of kidney-related conditions, from early-stage kidney disease to advanced kidney failure. Finally, nephrologists work to improve the quality of life for individuals with kidney disorders by providing personalized care and implementing strategies to preserve kidney function and overall health.
OUR PROVIDERS:
Jahangir “Jay” Ahmed, MD
Amandeep Chadha, MD
Ryan McDonald, MD, MHA
WHEN SHOULD I VISIT A NEPHROLOGIST?
Most people don’t go to a nephrologist without a referral from their primary care doctor. Typically, seeing a nephrologist means that you have kidney-related symptoms from an unknown cause or that you have health issues only a renal specialist knows how to treat. You might be referred to a nephrologist if you have the following signs or symptoms:
Chronic Urinary Tract Infections
If you get a lot of urinary tract infections (UTI), which are typically bladder infections, you are at greater risk for the infection to travel up to your kidneys. This also puts you more at risk of developing kidney disease, permanent kidney damage, or even kidney failure. Chronic UTI symptoms, especially blood in the urine, fever, and fatigue, can also indicate the early stages of bladder or kidney cancer.
Recurring Kidney Stones
Kidney stones are mineral- or salt-based deposits inside your kidneys, and they cause a lot of pain when passing through your urinary tract. If you get a lot of kidney stones, your kidneys are likely not filtering waste properly and are letting deposits accumulate. You can also develop kidney stones that begin to block glomerular filtration (part of the urination process) and lower the filtration rate. Any obstructions can begin to damage your kidneys and lead to chronic kidney disease.
Foamy Urine
Foamy or bubbly urine means there is protein in your urine. This condition, called proteinuria, can happen from a number of causes, some being relatively harmless and others more likely to cause kidney damage. Your urine normally has a bit of protein waste in it, but this protein will pass unnoticed. Only when you have high amounts of protein do you begin to see foam or bubbles in the urine. This protein spillover can accompany other symptoms like muscle cramping, shortness of breath, and tiredness, and may indicate more moderate stages of chronic kidney disease or early kidney failure. Your nephrologist will likely do a series of blood tests, such as blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, and protein-creatinine ratio, to check your blood and kidney health.
Itchy Skin and Joint or Bone Pain
If you’re experiencing bone and joint pain along with itchy skin, you might have a condition called renal bone disease, also known as mineral and bone disorder. This condition can occur alongside kidney disease, and it happens when the kidneys can’t maintain the amount of calcium and phosphorus your bones need. If untreated, this condition can lead to weakened bones, and heart and blood vessel problems.
Talk to your doctor if you’re experiencing these symptoms, as a referral to a nephrologist may be necessary.
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