What Is a Nephrologist?

Nephrologists, or kidney doctors, study the kidneys and any diseases that affect them. They complete 2 more years of training after medical school and residency.

If your primary care or family doctor thinks your kidneys aren’t working well, they may send you to a nephrologist. They’ll look for the cause of the problem and come up with a treatment plan that slows or stops it. You might need a referral from your regular doctor for insurance to cover the cost of your visit.

Some of the diseases nephrologists treat are:

Kidney disease: This is when your kidneys are damaged over time. You might not have severe symptoms until the disease is more advanced. But if your doctor catches it early, medications and lifestyle changes may help you avoid more damage.

Kidney failure: This is the late stage of kidney disease. If your nephrologist recommends dialysis (which cleans your blood with a machine), they’ll be in charge of your care. They may also suggest a kidney transplant. This is typically handled by a different team and a nephrologist who specializes in transplants. You’ll probably keep seeing this person until your transplant and after.

Kidney damage from cancer: Several types of cancer or their treatments can injure your kidneys. Examples of damage include blocked urine flow, toxin buildup in the kidneys, and sudden kidney failure. Cancers linked to kidney problems include:

• Multiple myeloma
• Bladder cancer
• Cervical cancer
• Colon cancer
• Prostate cancer

High blood pressure: If you have high blood pressure that’s been hard to get under control, your nephrologist can help.

Nephritic syndrome: This is when protein leaks into your urine. It can lead to swelling in different parts of your body.

Polycystic kidney disease: This happens when fluid-filled cysts grow in your kidneys. If they get too big, they can cause damage and may lead to kidney failure. The condition may bring on symptoms like back or side pain, a bigger belly, and bloody pee.

What to Bring to Your First Appointment:

• A list of symptoms and how long you have had those symptoms
• A list of all of your current doctors and their contact information
• An updated list of medications
• Current insurance cards
• Your medical history

Your nephrologist will probably give you a physical exam and ask about your medical history. They may also do these tests:

Urine collection: You’ll pee in a cup. In some cases, you might have to collect your urine in a special container over 24 hours. A lab will check the levels of waste products, protein, hormones, minerals, and other things. They also look for blood or signs of inflammation.

Ultrasound: This imaging technique makes pictures of your kidneys by using sound waves.

CT scan: This is a series of detailed X-ray pictures shot from different angles. A computer makes a 3D image with them.

Biopsy: This is a procedure to remove and study one or more small pieces of your kidney. Your nephrologist may do the biopsy with a needle or during surgery. They’ll check the samples under a microscope.

Journal of Nephrology and Urology is an Open Access peer-reviewed publication that discusses current research and advancements in diagnosis and management of kidney disorders as well as related epidemiology, pathophysiology and molecular genetics.

To submit a new manuscript authors should use the online submission system. Authors may submit their manuscript via online tracking system https://www.imedpub.com/submissions/nephrology-urology.html or as an attachment to email:  manuscripts@imedpub.com

Regards
Maya Wilson
Editorial Assistant
Journal of Nephrology and Urology