Question 1

What is the role of a nephrologist?

Accepted Answer

If you are experiencing symptoms that suggest kidney problems, then a nephrologist is the doctor to consult as they diagnose and treat conditions of the kidneys. Nephrologists are trained to handle kidney problems like chronic kidney disease, kidney stones, renal failure, and they have extensive knowledge about dialysis and kidney transplantation.

Question 2

Are urologists and nephrologists the same?

Accepted Answer

The duties of doctors from both these specialties vary only slightly. Both specialists treat conditions affecting the kidneys. But a urologist is more focused on the anatomical and structural problems of the urinary tract, which includes kidneys. Some examples are kidney stones, kidney cancer, and kidney obstruction. A nephrologist, on the other hand, focuses more on how the kidneys function, and how other conditions affect this functioning. For example, the effects of diabetes and high blood pressure on the kidneys.

Question 3

Can a nephrologist perform surgeries?

Accepted Answer

No, nephrologists are not surgeons and usually do not perform surgeries. They sometimes might collect tissue samples from the kidney to diagnose a condition.

Question 4

What to expect during your first nephrologist visit?

Accepted Answer

On your first visit, like all other doctors, the nephrologist will take a complete history, which includes medical history, family history, and symptoms. If needed, he or she might perform a physical examination. They will check for other medical conditions like hypertension, diabetes, or autoimmune disease that can affect kidney health.

Question 5

When is it best to consult a nephrologist?

Accepted Answer

It is best to consult a nephrologist if you experience signs and symptoms like reduced urine output, swollen ankles and feet, shortness of breath, fatigue, nausea, and seizures, as these are signs of kidney problems.

Question 6

What are the diseases that a nephrologist treats?

Accepted Answer

The conditions that a nephrologist treats are blood in urine, chronic kidney disease, kidney infection, kidney cancer, polycystic kidney disease, end-stage kidney disease, and kidney failure.

Question 7

What are the first and early signs of kidney problems?

Accepted Answer

Fatigue or tiredness, feeling cold when it is warm outside, shortness of breath, feeling dizzy, confusion, feeling itchy, swelling in hands and feet, puffy face, foamy urine, and blood in the urine are some of the early signs and symptoms of kidney problems.

Question 8

What creatinine level is considered to be dangerous?

Accepted Answer

The normal creatinine level in men is 0.7 to 1.3 mg.dL and in women is 0.6 to 1.1 mg/dL. Any value more than this is considered to be abnormal and indicates some extent of renal failure.

Question 9

How does one feel when the kidneys hurt?

Accepted Answer

Pain in the kidney is usually felt as a dull ache on the side of the affected kidney. This pain aggravates if you injure that area or press on it.

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