When should I see an OB/GYN?
When should you start seeing an ob-gyn? The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that girls have their first ob-gyn visit when they're 13 to 15 years old or they become sexually active, whichever comes first. The first visit for teens may just include a talk with the doctor and no exam.
When should I see a kidney specialist?
Your doctor may also refer you to a nephrologist if you have any of the following:
- advanced chronic kidney disease
- large amounts of blood or protein in your urine
- recurring kidney stones, though you may also be referred to a urologist for this
- high blood pressure that’s still high even though you’re taking medications
- a rare or inherited cause of kidney disease
When should you see a periodontist?
- Your dentist recommends it.
- You have severe gum disease.
- You have weakening of the jaw bone or bone loss.
- You need a dental implant.
- You need a bone graft procedure to precede an implant.
- You have gum disease that keeps recurring after treatment.
- You have any issues with your gums or jaw bone that your dentist is not equipped to handle.
When you should see a spine specialist?
- Headaches
- Neck pain
- Lower back pain
- Sciatica or leg pain
- Repetitive strain injury (RSI)
- Car accident injuries
- Sports injuries
- Pain due to arthritis
How do you know if you need a nephrologist?
How can a nephrologist help you?
How do you know if you have diabetic nephropathy?
Why is high blood pressure the second leading cause of kidney failure?
What to do if you have a family history of kidney disease?
What is the number to call for kidney care in Durham?
Can diabetes cause kidney failure?
See 2 more
When should you send a patient to a nephrologist?
Consensus documents and clinical practice guidelines recommend referral of DM patients to nephrology when the estimated glomerular filtration rate falls below 30 mL/min/1.73 m2 or when albuminuria exceeds 300 mg/g urinary creatinine.
Why would you be referred to a nephrologist?
A doctor may refer someone to a nephrologist if they believe that the person shows signs of kidney problems, such as kidney disease, infections, or growths. In this article, we discuss what nephrologists do, the types of conditions they treat, the procedures they perform, and when someone might need to visit one.
What are the first signs of kidney problems?
SymptomsNausea.Vomiting.Loss of appetite.Fatigue and weakness.Sleep problems.Urinating more or less.Decreased mental sharpness.Muscle cramps.More items...•
When should you get your kidneys checked?
If you're at risk for kidney disease due to high blood pressure, diabetes, a family history of kidney failure or if you're older than age 60, it's important to get tested annually for kidney disease. Be sure to mention any symptoms you're experiencing to your healthcare practitioner.
What kind of disease does a nephrologist generally treat?
Nephrologists are medical professionals who diagnose, treat, and manage acute and chronic kidney problems and diseases. They also treat associated issues like high blood pressure, fluid retention, and electrolyte and mineral imbalances.
What happens on your first visit to a nephrologist?
Your nephrologist will review your medical history, and do a complete physical exam to determine how your kidneys are functioning. Your nephrologist will order blood and urine tests and a diagnostic imaging of your kidneys may also be required.
How long can you have kidney disease without knowing?
Around 90 percent of people who have this condition are unaware they have it. 2 out of 5 adults who have CKD don't know they have severe chronic kidney disease. People with CKD can live for years without knowing, as it doesn't always have the most clearly defined symptoms.
What does it feel like when something is wrong with your kidneys?
Kidney pain symptoms include: A dull ache that's usually constant. Pain under your rib cage or in your belly. Pain in your side; usually only one side, but sometimes both hurt.
What are 3 diseases that affect the kidney?
Atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS)Alport syndrome.Amyloidosis.Cystinosis.Fabry disease.Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS)Glomerulonephritis (glomerular disease)Goodpasture syndrome.More items...
How do I check if my kidneys are OK?
Blood Tests. Because your kidneys remove waste, toxins, and extra fluid from the blood, a doctor will also use a blood test to check your kidney function. The blood tests will show how well your kidneys are doing their job and how quickly the waste is being removed.
How can doctors tell if your kidneys are failing?
Analyzing a sample of your urine (urinalysis) may reveal abnormalities that suggest kidney failure. Blood tests. A sample of your blood may reveal rapidly rising levels of urea and creatinine — two substances used to measure kidney function. Imaging tests.
How do you know your kidneys are OK?
“That usually involves simple laboratory tests: a urine test to look for kidney damage, and a blood test to measure how well the kidneys are working.” The urine test checks for a protein called albumin, which isn't routinely detected when your kidneys are healthy.
How do I check if my kidneys are OK?
Blood Tests. Because your kidneys remove waste, toxins, and extra fluid from the blood, a doctor will also use a blood test to check your kidney function. The blood tests will show how well your kidneys are doing their job and how quickly the waste is being removed.
What color is urine when your kidneys are failing?
Light-brown or tea-colored urine can be a sign of kidney disease/failure or muscle breakdown.
How can I check my kidney at home?
4 Best At-home Kidney Test KitsBest blood sample test: LetsGetChecked Kidney Test.Best blood test for detailed results: Verisana Kidney Function Test.Best urine-based test: Healthy.io Minuteful Kidney.Best combination kit: Labcorp OnDemand Kidney Health Test Package.
How do you know your kidneys are OK?
“That usually involves simple laboratory tests: a urine test to look for kidney damage, and a blood test to measure how well the kidneys are working.” The urine test checks for a protein called albumin, which isn't routinely detected when your kidneys are healthy.
Nephrologist first appointment what to expect gown - HealthTap
"i have my first appt with a nephrologist today to try and rule out diabetes insipidus. what can i expect on this first appt?" Answered by Dr. David Sneid: H/P and lab: Expect a good history and physical exam and being schedul...
Here is what to expect the first time you visit a Nephrologist
If you are experiencing kidney problems or reasonably believe the kidneys of a family member need most earnest attention, it is time to visit a neurologist. What does a Nephrologist do? A nephrologist is a medical professional who specializes in kidney care, making sure they function well. They undergo training in internal medicine before specializing in treating patients with kidney ...
How do you know if you need a nephrologist?
Changes in Urination. One sign that you may need to see a nephrologist is when you experience changes in your urination habits. This is a symptom that there may be something wrong with your kidneys such as kidney disease or kidney failure, and to seek medical attention.
How can a nephrologist help you?
A nephrologist can help you by looking at the state of your kidneys, and determining if you have or are at risk of kidney disease. Here are some signs to know when it is the right time to pay a visit to a nephrologist.
How do you know if you have diabetic nephropathy?
If you are diabetic and are experiencing any of the following diabetic nephropathy symptoms seek medical attention from a nephrologist. Symptoms include: · Swelling of the hands, feet, and face. · Trouble sleeping or concentrating. · Poor appetite. · Nausea.
Why is high blood pressure the second leading cause of kidney failure?
When the blood vessels become damaged, the nephrons that filter your blood don’t receive the oxygen and nutrients they need to function properly. This is why high blood pressure is the second leading cause of kidney failure.
What to do if you have a family history of kidney disease?
A Family History of Kidney Disease. If there is a history of heart disease in your family, it would be wise to consult a nephrologist. Nephrologists can help prevent and treat the early stages of kidney disease.
What is the number to call for kidney care in Durham?
If you have questions about any of the symptoms related to kidney function and health, call us at 919-477-3005 to talk to a staff member and make an appointment.
Can diabetes cause kidney failure?
Diabetes disease is another way in which you may be at risk of kidney damage. Professionals have stated that diabetes causes tremendous stress and damage to the kidneys. Diabetes patients are frequently renally impaired and at high risk for kidney failure if not on dialysis. If you are diabetic and are experiencing any of the following diabetic nephropathy symptoms seek medical attention from a nephrologist. Symptoms include:
Why is it important to see a nephrologist?
This cause-and-effect relationship shows how important it is to have healthy kidneys , and to be proactive in seeing a nephrologist who can treat and manage any kidney issues you have. Nephrologists can develop a management plan that helps you overcome low-functioning kidneys.
What Does a Nephrologist Do?
Sometimes called renal medicine, nephrology is a specialty within the internal medicine field related to kidney care. It is often connected with hypertension or high blood pressure.
What happens if you have kidney stones?
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.
Why is kidney disease more likely to occur?
Having your kidneys malfunction is even more likely than having your liver malfunction, primarily due to the chronic health conditions that develop at the same time. Kidney disease can develop from existing health issues like diabetes, obesity, heart disease, and high blood pressure. It can also cause high blood pressure and heart disease to develop, even if you didn't have these conditions before.
What happens if you don't filter your blood?
Without proper filtering of the blood and balanced amounts of fluids and nutrients, your body can become an unhealthy environment. Having low-kidney function can put you at risk for chronic kidney disease, kidney failure, or end-stage renal disease, where you require dialysis regularly.
How long is a fellowship in nephrology?
A two- to three-year fellowship in nephrology, with the option for an additional year-long fellowship in interventional nephrology or transplant nephrology
Can kidney disease cause high blood pressure?
Kidney disease can develop from existing health issues like diabetes, obesity, heart disease, and high blood pressure. It can also cause high blood pressure and heart disease to develop, even if you didn't have these conditions before.
How long does it take to become a nephrologist?
A nephrologist’s education and training. In order to start on the path to becoming a nephrologist, you must first complete medical school. Medical school lasts four years and requires a prior bachelor’s degree. After receiving your medical degree, you’ll need to complete a three-year residency that focuses on internal medicine.
What conditions can a nephrologist treat?
Nephrologists can work with you to help diagnose and treat the following conditions: blood or protein in urine. chronic kidney disease. kidney stones, although a urologist may also treat this. kidney infections . kidney swelling due to glomerulonephritis or interstitial nephritis.
Why do urology and nephrology overlap?
The fields of nephrology and urology share some overlap because they can both involve the kidneys . While a nephrologist focuses on diseases and conditions that affect the kidney more directly, a urologist focuses on diseases and conditions that can affect the male and female urinary tract.
What is the best doctor for kidney disease?
Although your primary care doctor will work to help prevent and treat early stages of kidney disease, a nephrologist may be called in to help diagnose and treat more severe or complex kidney conditions.
What is a nephrologist?
A nephrologist’s job. A nephrologist is a type of doctor that specializes in treating diseases of the kidney. Not only do nephrologists have expertise on diseases that specifically affect the kidney, but they’re also very knowledgeable about how kidney disease or dysfunction can affect other parts of your body.
What are the causes of kidney failure?
end-stage kidney disease. kidney failure, both acute and chronic. A nephrologist can also be involved when other factors cause kidney disease or dysfunction, including: high blood pressure. diabetes. heart disease. autoimmune conditions, such as lupus.
What organs does a urologist treat?
A urologist also works with the male reproductive organs, such as the penis, testes, and prostate. Conditions that a urologist may treat can include: kidney stones. bladder infections.
Why do you need a nephrologist for kidney disease?
Some of the common reasons for referral to a nephrologist who specializes in kidney diseases include:-. Acute renal failure or sudden loss of kidney functions. Chronic renal/kidney disease or CKD with long term decline in kidney functions. Presence of blood, proteins or casts and crystals in the urine. Long term or recurring kidney infections ...
What is the job of a nephrologist?
The nephrologist usually works in conjunction with Urologists who deal with the surgical aspects of kidney disease and diseases of the bladder, ureters and urethra.
When to refer to a nephrologist?
You may be referred to the nephrologist when your doctor suspects diseases or situations that compromise the health of the kidney. The most relevant ones are listed below.
When to visit a kidney specialist?
In general, a visit to this specialist is suggested when there are suspected abnormalities in kidney function or structure. Given the risks for the general well-being, a timely intervention is essential according to each case.
What is the importance of the nephrologist?
The nephrologist is the specialist in charge of preserving kidney function. Therefore, it’s advisable to seek their attention at any clinical manifestation of disease in these organs.
What is the job of a urologist?
Urologists, on the other hand, deal with everything associated with the renal vasculature and urine excretion, such as anatomical anomalies of the kidneys and urinary tract, especially surgical anomalies.
What are the functions of the kidneys?
The kidneys are involved in vital functions such as the elimination of waste, water, electrolyte balance, and the secretion of some hormones.
What is the study of the kidneys called?
Meanwhile, the term “renal” comes from the Latin “ renes” which also means kidneys. Therefore, nephrology is the study of the kidneys.
Why is the right kidney lower than the left?
The right kidney tends to be lower than the left, due to the intra-abdominal occupation of the right side by organs such as the liver . In its internal part, through its hilum, the renal artery and vein, lymphatic drainage, nerves, and the ureter (responsible for conducting urine) all pass through it.
What is a nephrologist?
As noted above, Nephrologists are doctors who treat kidney disease, with the Greek term "nephros" meaning kidneys. You may also hear the term renal disease used to describe kidney problems. The term renal comes from the Latin root "renes" which also means kidneys. What types of medical conditions may affect your kidneys, ...
What kind of doctor treats kidney stones?
Treatments. There are two major types of doctors that work on the kidney: nephrologists and urologists. Urologists are surgeons of the urinary tract that can remove cancers of the kidneys, open up blockages in the ureters from stones, or help drain the bladder better.
What is the difference between kidney failure and grade 5 renal failure?
Grade 1 kidney failure refers to a mild disease, whereas grade 5 renal failure usually indicates that dialysis or a kidney transplant will be needed.
What is acute kidney injury?
Acute kidney injury: Acute kidney disease refers to the rapid onset of kidney disease often related to conditions such as shock (reduced blood perfusion of the kidneys), dehydration, kidney problems related to surgery, or inadequate drainage from the urinary tract (ureter, bladder, prostate, urethra).
What are the causes of kidney failure?
Some of the more common conditions which can cause kidney failure include: 1 . Diabetes (diabetic nephropathy): Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure in the United States. Kidney disease related to high blood pressure and heart disease ( cardiorenal syndrome) Obesity. Chronic kidney infections.
Where are the kidneys located?
Your kidneys are located on your flanks, near your spine. Injuries to your back or side below your diaphragm may cause injuries to your kidneys. Your kidneys perform several important functions. These include filtering your blood to remove toxins, maintaining the proper levels of electrolytes (such as sodium and potassium) to ensure proper functioning of your cells, and maintaining fluid balance in your body.
Can kidney disease cause no symptoms?
Early on with kidney disease, and sometimes even with advanced kidney disease, people may have few symptoms. In fact, the most common symptom of kidney disease is no symptoms at all! 3
What is a nephrologist?
Nephrologists, as the readers of this blog know are physicians who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of kidney disease, electrolytes, high blood pressure, dialysis, kidney stones, etc.
When should you definitely be evaluated by a kidney doctor?
Well, based on the evidence cited above, definitely by the time someone's creatinine is high enough for them to be called CKD Stage 4. That would mean a GFR of less than 30. Not doing so, as mentioned above, does increase the risk of the patient progressing to dialysis, as well as the risk of death.
Is it important to refer a patient to a nephrologist early?
Finally, (and thankfully this is not usual) some primary doctors would really not recognize the importance of an early referral. Not one, but multiple medical studies have clearly proved that patients who are referred late to nephrologists are more likely to die, or progress to dialysis! Here are a few more links to important studies done is this regard here, and here .
Does dialysis increase the risk of death?
Not doing so, as mentioned above, does increase the risk of the patient progressing to dialysis, as well as the risk of death. The art of practicing good nephrology is really all about prevention. But often times, regardless of the preventive steps that nephrologists take, it can be hard to appreciate that.
Is kidney disease a silent killer?
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a "silent killer". It destroys your kidneys slowly and you don't feel a thing. Not until it is almost the time for dialysis, even at which time the symptoms can be very vague like fatigue or insomnia.
How do you know if you need a nephrologist?
Changes in Urination. One sign that you may need to see a nephrologist is when you experience changes in your urination habits. This is a symptom that there may be something wrong with your kidneys such as kidney disease or kidney failure, and to seek medical attention.
How can a nephrologist help you?
A nephrologist can help you by looking at the state of your kidneys, and determining if you have or are at risk of kidney disease. Here are some signs to know when it is the right time to pay a visit to a nephrologist.
How do you know if you have diabetic nephropathy?
If you are diabetic and are experiencing any of the following diabetic nephropathy symptoms seek medical attention from a nephrologist. Symptoms include: · Swelling of the hands, feet, and face. · Trouble sleeping or concentrating. · Poor appetite. · Nausea.
Why is high blood pressure the second leading cause of kidney failure?
When the blood vessels become damaged, the nephrons that filter your blood don’t receive the oxygen and nutrients they need to function properly. This is why high blood pressure is the second leading cause of kidney failure.
What to do if you have a family history of kidney disease?
A Family History of Kidney Disease. If there is a history of heart disease in your family, it would be wise to consult a nephrologist. Nephrologists can help prevent and treat the early stages of kidney disease.
What is the number to call for kidney care in Durham?
If you have questions about any of the symptoms related to kidney function and health, call us at 919-477-3005 to talk to a staff member and make an appointment.
Can diabetes cause kidney failure?
Diabetes disease is another way in which you may be at risk of kidney damage. Professionals have stated that diabetes causes tremendous stress and damage to the kidneys. Diabetes patients are frequently renally impaired and at high risk for kidney failure if not on dialysis. If you are diabetic and are experiencing any of the following diabetic nephropathy symptoms seek medical attention from a nephrologist. Symptoms include:
