Personalized Kidney Care

Neprology is a branch of medicine that focuses on the health of your kidneys – the two organs that filter waste, balance fluids and electrolytes, and help control blood pressure. If you have a condition that affects your kidneys or your body's ability to maintain proper fluid and chemical balance, you may be referred to a nephrologist.  

A nephrologist is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating kidney-related diseases and disorders, including: 

• Chronic kidney disease (CKD)
• Kidney failure
• Kidney infections
• High blood pressure (especially when it's hard to control)
• Electrolyte imbalances (like low or high potassium or sodium)
• Kidney stones (in some cases)
• Glomerulonephritis (inflammation in the kidneys)
• Polycystic kidney disease
• Dialysis care and management

They also monitor people with diabetes or hypertension, two major risk factors for kidney problems. 

Your primary care doctor or another specialist may refer you to a nephrologist if:

• Blood or urine tests show signs of kidney trouble.
• You have persistent swelling, especially in your legs or around your eyes. 
• Your blood pressure is difficult to manage.
• You have frequent urinary issues or abnormal lab results.
• You've been diagnosed with chronic kidney disease or kidney failure.
• You're starting or already on dialysis or considering a kidney transplant.

At your first appointment, the nephrologist will:

• Review your medical history
• Discuss your symptoms and lifestyle
• Order or review blood and urine tests
• Possibly order imaging (like an ultrasound)
• Create a treatment plan that might include diet changes, medication, or monitoring.

If you have advanced kidney disease, they will talk with you about long-term treatment options like dialysis or transplant evaluation.