What is a Nephrologist?
A nephrologist is a specially trained physician with the expertise to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the kidneys, including blood pressure.
You many have heard the term renal care. Renal care and nephrology are the same thing.
Nephrology is a sub-specialty of Internal Medicine. After college a future physician must study four years to achieve his/her Medical Doctor (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathy (D.O.) degree. To become a nephrologist they must continue studying for two more years in an intensive renal fellowship program.
A nephrologist uses the following tools to determine how well your kidneys are working:
urine analysis
blood tests
X-rays
sonograms (ultrasounds)
kidney biopsies
Your nephrologist will prescribe medications, and possibly a special diet and/or exercise program, to keep your kidneys functioning as long as possible.
Most people are born with two kidneys. If both of yours are heading towards complete failure, your doctor will recommend a kidney transplant or dialysis.
We prefer you get a kidney transplant, but you must qualify for one, as determined by the Kidney Transplant Center we will refer you to.
If you don’t qualify, then dialysis is the replacement for your kidneys. Dialysis is the process by which a machine filters your blood when the kidneys are no longer capable of doing so. The filters get rid of toxins and returns clean blood to you.
There are three different types of dialysis. Our doctor can discuss which is best for you when the time comes. But of course, we hope to coach you on how to avoid, or at least postpone kidney failure. For most people controlling their diet, taking their medicines and getting exercise can help reduce the likelihood of kidney failure.
Your kidney health is closely related to your blood pressure (BP). A nephrologist, more than any other physicians, specializes in hypertension and hypotension as well. We treat abnormal BP that is hard to control. Do doctors make you nervous? We can find out if your BP isn’t high normally, just when you visit your doctor! Ask your primary doctor to refer you to us for a 24-hour blood pressure monitor to find out.
For kidney and hypertension concerns, you’re in good hands with the caring doctors at Cleveland Kidney & Hypertension Consultants, Inc. Ask your primary care doctor if it's time to see us.