A nephrologist generally sees patients who are referred by their primary care physicians or general physicians for problems related to the kidneys, high blood pressure, or certain types of metabolic disorders. If someone feels they are having problems with their kidneys, they can seek out the care of a nephrologist. When a kidney doctor first meets with a patient, he or she will usually go over the patient’s medical history and do a complete physical.

A nephrologist will then do blood and urine tests to determine how well the patient’s kidneys are functioning. He or she may also order a kidney ultrasound. 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. Treatment of kidney cancer, prostate operations, and removal of kidney stones are usually handled by a different type of physician known as a urologist.

If a nephrologist finds that a patient’s kidneys are not functioning as they should, he or she will help diagnose the cause and prescribe a treatment plan. If a kidney doctor detects kidney disease, he or she will do tests to determine what stage of kidney disease the patient is in and plan the patient’s treatment. The nephrologist will usually refer the patient to a renal dietitian, renal social worker, and renal nurse who will help with the patient’s care. If the patient needs dialysis or a kidney transplant, his or her kidney doctor will discuss the different types of dialysis or refer the patient to a transplant center.
Nephrologists generally meet with dialysis patients several times per month and other types of kidney patients every one to three months. When a patient comes in for a check-up, the kidney doctor will evaluate the patient’s medical condition, address any new problems, check test results, make changes to the patient’s dialysis prescription if needed and refill or prescribe medications. During these visits, the nephrologist is also likely to adjust blood pressure medicines and may initiate or adjust therapy for a variety of other problems, such as diabetes, anemia, and high cholesterol.

Every nephrologist has received extensive training in general internal medicine, and many nephrologists will treat their patients for other things besides kidney problems. It’s important that patients tell their kidney doctors if they notice any changes in their health.
Also, depending on the dialysis center, a nephrologist may have a managerial role in how the center runs. If this is the case, he or she will set up the policies and procedures for how the center should run, how dialysis treatments should be done, and what roles the employees at the center will play in the process.

Treatment of CKD is extremely preventative. The goal is to slow down the disease as much as possible to extend your kidney health and function and avoid kidney failure. There are ways you can alter your lifestyle habits and diet to halt the progression of CKD. Here are some helpful tips to use if diagnosed with CKD:

• Manage your blood sugar closely, especially if you are diabetic.
• Keep close track of blood pressure and maintain a healthy blood pressure range.
• Control cholesterol intake.
• Follow a kidney-friendly diet consisting of low fat, low sodium, high protein, high potassium, and high phosphorous foods. Also, fluid intake needs to be monitored closely, as kidney disease prohibits the body from processing fluids effectively.
• Avoid certain medicines that are harsh on the kidneys.
• Avoid alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs.
• Maintain healthy body weight.
• Engage in an active lifestyle.

Anemia is a complication of kidney disease caused when the body does not produce enough healthy red blood cells. Red blood cells carry oxygen to organs and tissues throughout the body. Fewer red blood cells mean less oxygen. With less oxygen, organs and tissues cannot function well, leaving you to feel weak and tired.
Healthy kidneys produce the hormone erythropoietin (EPO). EPO tells your bone marrow to make red blood cells. If kidneys are damaged and cannot make enough EPO, your bone marrow will not produce enough red blood cells, depriving the body of its oxygen.

The symptoms of 

• Weakness
• Tired
• Headaches
• Chest pain
• Paleness
• Dizziness
• Problems concentrating
• Difficulty breathing

Anemia begins in the early stages of Chronic Kidney Disease and gets progressively worse as kidney function declines. Anemia can decrease energy levels and even contribute to heart disease and increased hospitalizations. A simple blood test is possible to identify Anemia.

Kidney and Hypertension Specialists help manage Anemia resulting in a better quality of life.