Nephrologists diagnose and treat many diseases that directly affect your kidneys. Some examples include chronic kidney disease, tubular defects and structural issues. Your physician can also help treat conditions that involve the kidneys, such as certain autoimmune diseases or high blood pressure. If you’re unsure about what to expect at your nephrology appointment, here is some helpful background information.

What Is Nephrology?

Nephrology is a specialized branch of internal medicine that focuses on the kidneys. These small organs lie just underneath the rib cage on both sides. They perform many important functions, such as filtering blood before it returns to the heart and maintaining the appropriate fluid balance.

What Does a Nephrologist Do?

Nephrologists diagnose, treat and manage kidney diseases and systemic diseases that impact the kidneys, such as heart failure. Their roles vary from correcting electrolyte imbalances to treating kidney failure with dialysis.  If you’re visiting a nephrologist for the first time, you can expect the physician to perform a complete physical exam and ask many questions about your medical history.  The physician might order several tests to better understand what’s causing your symptoms. 

Which Conditions Can a Nephrologist Treat?

A nephrologist treats acute and chronic kidney issues,  including stones, polycystic kidney disease and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Your internist might refer you to a nephrologist if you’ve been diagnosed with CKD. According to the National Kidney Foundation, CKD is one of the leading causes of death in the U.S. It affects approximately 37 million U.S. adults and often presents with mild systems. For this reason, up to 90 percent of adults might not even know that they have the disease.

Treatment options vary widely, from preventative measures to dialysis and kidney transplants for end-stage diseases, including kidney failure. An estimated 124,000 Americans are diagnosed with end-stage kidney disease every year.

What’s the Difference Between a Nephrologist and a Urologist?

Nephrologists and urologists are physicians who treat diseases related to the kidney and urinary system. Unlike the nephrologist, who diagnoses and manages conditions that directly impact the kidney, a urologist primarily deals with certain diseases and conditions that affect the urinary tract. For example, a nephrologist often treats chronic kidney disease while a urologist treats issues such as incontinence and urinary tract infections.

Nephrologists undergo years of specialized training to learn how to successfully diagnose, manage and treat many kidney-related health issues. You’ll likely be referred to a nephrologist if you are experiencing kidney-related symptoms. Your internist might refer you to a nephrologist if your case is complex or difficult to manage. Potential symptoms of severe kidney disease include unintended weight loss and swelling in your feet and legs.

Richmond Nephrology Associates is dedicated to your well being. If you need a kidney specialist, contact us! We are happy to help at one of our convenient locations in and around the greater Richmond Va area.