The incidence of renal disease, also called kidney disease, has increased with the increase in diabetes, which damages organs. But nephrologists, doctors who treat this type of disease, treat a wide variety of patients, not just diabetics. A kidney disease doctor in Dallas may treat patients born with renal deformities, patients with recurrent stones or infections or patients with renal failure from taking certain medications, such as immunosuppressants. Most people are born with two kidneys, but can function just fine with just one, as long as the one functions normally.
A nephrologist is a specialist, meaning he takes additional medical training in his specialty after medical school and internship. The internal medicine residency programs last three years, but after this training, the doctor must also complete an additional two-to-three year fellowship. Some nephrologists specialize in pediatric medicine while others treat only adults. Renal specialists do not normally treat urinary problems or issues with the prostate.
When kidneys fail completely, a person can survive only by undergoing dialysis three times a week or by receiving a kidney transplant. The nephrologist will help make the decision whether to undergo peritoneal or hemodialysis, which have different advantages and disadvantages. Nephrologists may place vascular access devices for hemodialysis and will see dialysis patients several times a month to assess how well dialysis is keeping the body clear of waste products. A nephrologist may also perform kidney biopsies to check for cancer or other abnormalities, but a nephrology specialist is not a surgeon and does not perform surgery.
Renal doctors often work closely with nutritionists, because nutrition is an important part of care for patients with kidney disease. Many people with these disorders have high blood pressure and need to follow a low-sodium diet. Some may need to watch their potassium intake when they develop severe disease.
Blood tests and urinalysis help doctors monitor renal function for their patients. More complex testing such as ultrasound or intravenous pyelogram help diagnose stones or other blockages. Patients with kidney disease can deteriorate quickly and may need frequent follow-up.
Kidney failure progresses through five stages; most patients do not to see a nephrology specialist until they develop until they reach stage four or stage five disease, or have a glomerular filtration rate of 30 or lower. Glomerular filtration rate, also known as GFR, normally falls as people age and mild renal dysfunction develops, but most do not need to see a nephrologist.
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