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.

Is a kidney specialist the same as a urologist?

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.

When should you be referred to a nephrologist?

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.

Do urologists deal with kidneys?

Urologists treat conditions of the urinary tract, including those that can be affected by the kidneys such as kidney stones and obstruction. Urologist and nephrologists often work together to coordinate care for a single patient if an overlapping condition is present.

What are the signs that something is wrong with your kidneys?

Signs of Kidney Disease

• You're more tired, have less energy or are having trouble concentrating. ...
• You're having trouble sleeping. ...
• You have dry and itchy skin. ...
• You feel the need to urinate more often. ...
• You see blood in your urine. ...
• Your urine is foamy. ...
• You're experiencing persistent puffiness around your eyes.

Kidney Disease: What You Should Know | Anjay Rastogi, MD | UCLAMDChat

15 related questions found

What is the best thing to drink for your kidneys?

Water. Water is the best thing to drink for kidney health because it gives your kidneys the fluids they need to function well, without sugar, caffeine, or other additives that do not benefit your kidneys. Drink four to six glasses of water every day for optimal kidney health.

Is drinking a lot of water good for your kidneys?

Water helps the kidneys remove wastes from your blood in the form of urine. Water also helps keep your blood vessels open so that blood can travel freely to your kidneys, and deliver essential nutrients to them. But if you become dehydrated, then it is more difficult for this delivery system to work.

How painful is a cystoscopy?

Does it hurt? People often worry that a cystoscopy will be painful, but it does not usually hurt. Tell your doctor or nurse if you feel any pain during it. It can be a bit uncomfortable and you may feel like you need to pee during the procedure, but this will only last a few minutes.

What will a urologist do on first visit?

The doctor will perform a male genitourinary exam during your first appointment. That is a complete examination of the urinary tract region. The physician will perform a genital exam and a digital rectal exam to explore the prostate. The urologist may evaluate other areas as well.

How do I find a good nephrologist?

Choosing a Nephrologist

1. Look for a doctor who treats your specific type of kidney disease (i.e. glomerular disease).
2. Find out whether the doctor participates in your health insurance plan. ...
3. Talk to others who may have been treated for kidney disease or check with your primary care physician for a referral.

What tests are done to check kidney function?

Know your kidney numbers! Your kidney numbers include 2 tests: ACR (Albumin to Creatinine Ratio) and GFR (glomerular filtration rate). GFR is a measure of kidney function and is performed through a blood test. Your GFR will determine what stage of kidney disease you have – there are 5 stages.

What does a nephrologist do on your first visit?

On your first visit, your nephrologist will gather information from you. He or she will review your medical history, and do a complete physical exam. To determine how your kidneys are functioning, he or she will order blood and urine tests. A kidney ultrasound may be required, and additional studies may be necessary.

When should you see a doctor if you have kidney pain?

Fever and urinary symptoms often accompany kidney pain. Call your doctor for a same-day appointment if: You have constant, dull, one-sided pain in your back or side. You have fever, body aches and fatigue.

Can only one kidney fail?

Since most people have two kidneys, both kidneys must be damaged for complete kidney failure to occur. Fortunately, if only one kidney fails or is diseased it can be removed, and the remaining kidney may continue to have normal kidney (renal) function.

Does a nephrologist do surgery?

When necessary, a nephrologist may perform a kidney biopsy in order to better determine what is wrong with the kidneys. However, a nephrologist is not a surgeon and typically does not perform operations.

What happens in a female urology exam?

The test requires a catheter to be placed in the urethra/bladder and rectum. These catheters measure pressures in the bladder and bowel. The bladder is then slowly filled with fluid in an attempt to replicate your bladder filling with urine. You may be asked to cough or strain and void/urinate during the study.

What organs does a urologist specialize in?

They are physicians who specialize in the genitourinary tract—the kidneys, urinary bladder, adrenal glands, urethra and male reproductive organs—and male fertility. Urologists are also trained in the surgical and medical treatment of diseases that affect these organs.

Who treats renal failure?

Nephrologists specialize in the care and function of kidneys. They diagnose, treat, and prevent conditions and diseases related to the kidneys. They specialize in treating people whose kidneys are at or near failure or those with kidney disease and hypertension.

Do they put you under for a cystoscopy?

Cystoscopy is typically performed in an outpatient setting, using a local anesthetic to numb your urethra. If needed, it can also be performed under sedation. Cystoscopy may also be performed in the hospital under general anesthesia.

How long does a cystoscopy procedure take?

A simple outpatient cystoscopy can take five to 15 minutes. When done in a hospital with sedation or general anesthesia, cystoscopy takes about 15 to 30 minutes. Your cystoscopy procedure might follow this process: You'll be asked to empty your bladder.

Does a cystoscopy check kidneys?

During a cystoscopy, a cystoscope is inserted through the urethra into the bladder. During a ureteroscopy, the urologist will focus on viewing the ureter and lining of the kidney, known as the renal pelvis.

What drinks are bad for kidneys?

Sodas. According to the American Kidney Fund, a recent study suggests that drinking two or more carbonated sodas, diet or regular, each day may increase your risk for chronic kidney disease. Carbonated and energy drinks have both been linked to the formation of kidney stones.

What color is urine when your kidneys are failing?

When kidneys are failing, the increased concentration and accumulation of substances in urine lead to a darker color which may be brown, red or purple. The color change is due to abnormal protein or sugar, high levels of red and white blood cells, and high numbers of tube-shaped particles called cellular casts.

What medications should be avoided with kidney disease?

What medications to avoid with kidney disease

• Pain medications also known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) ...
• Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) ...
• Cholesterol medications (statins) ...
• Antibiotic medications. ...
• Diabetes medications. ...
• Antacids. ...
• Herbal supplements and vitamins. ...
• Contrast dye.

Is coffee bad for kidneys?

In summary, coffee is an acceptable beverage for kidney disease. If consumed in moderation it poses little risk for those with kidney disease. Additives to coffee such as milk and many creamers increase the potassium and phosphorus content of coffee.