Information To Know About Kidney Doctor

By Matthew Perry


Excess fluids and waste products need to be eliminated in the body the instance they are formed. Kidneys are responsible for removal of those substances through urine. Apart from excretion, kidneys also play a major part in the regulation of acid content, body salts, and potassium. They stimulate red blood cell production in the body. These cells aid in regulating blood pressure and calcium. Besides that, red blood cells also assist in the metabolism of electrolytes.

The vital functions performed by kidneys makes them very important organs in the body. A mild problem with them can lead to serious health problems. As such, when one suspects of having a problem with these organs, it is best to consult a kidney doctor as soon as possible. Medical practitioners who specialize in the care of kidneys and treatment of diseases that affect the organs are referred to as nephrologists.

The Greek word nephros is the name from which the term nephrologist was derived. Its translation to English holds the meaning renal or kidney. Conversely, ologists refer to individuals who study. Often the terms kidney doctors and nephrologists can be used interchangeably. Nephrologists have to train in internal medicine but undergo further training to specialize in treating and caring for kidneys.

Nephrology is a branch of internal medicine. Becoming a practitioner in nephrology requires one to have a degree from an approved medical school. Medical school admission may have a bachelor degree as one of the requirements for qualification. After medical school, one must complete three full years of residency program in internal medicine. Those who complete the residency are ready to apply for certification.

in Cleveland, the American Board of Internal Medicine certification test must be taken and passed for as part of the process of qualifying as a nephrology. Laboratory or clinical research which lasts one or two years may also be part of the residency beside the other three years. With laboratory or clinical research experience, practitioners become well-qualified in the field they specialize.

Residency programs cover a lot of areas in nephrology including disease management and diagnosis. They receive training in all surgical procedures pertaining to dialysis such as placement of catheter and vascular access. They become experts in peritoneal dialysis, hemodialysis and all other dialysis treatments. They also receive training in performing kidney biopsies. Before qualifying in any specialty, leaners must take and pass a separate qualification exam.

Generally, most patients handled by nephrologists are as a result of referrals from general physicians or primary care physicians. The diseases cared for and treated are of a wide variety. Common examples include PKD, CKD, acute renal failure, kidney stones, and high blood pressure. They can also do dialysis and transplants. A thorough review of medical history of patients must be done prior to commencing treatment.

Diagnosis involves blood and urine tests. The tests are helpful in understanding how the well the kidneys are working. An ultrasound and biopsy may also be performed if the practitioner finds it necessary. It is important to understand that nephrologists are not surgeons and cannot conduct surgical operations because the scope of the training they receive does not cover surgery.




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