How to Know When to See a Nephrologist

If you’ve been having health issues related to your kidneys or the renal system (also known as the urinary system), or have experienced symptoms such as swelling in your feet, ankles, or legs, fatigue, itchy skin, or recurring urinary tract infections (UTIs), it might be time to consider seeing a nephrologist.

Nephrologists are medical specialists who deal with the evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases that involve the kidneys and the rest of the renal system. The kidneys are a pivotal organ, and their health and function have a massive impact on your overall health.
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Nephrologists may diagnose and treat various kidney-related conditions, as well as recommend diets and perform transplants or other operations. If you’re not sure whether seeing a nephrologist is right for you, talk to your primary care provider and consider the following common indicators that it’s time to see a nephrologist.

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Six Reasons to See a Nephrologist

• You're ready for answers: If your general practitioner suspects chronic kidney disease (CKD) may be the cause of your symptoms, they may refer you to a nephrologist. A nephrologist’s expertise in kidney and renal health can answer your health questions, identifying whether you’re suffering from kidney disease and determining a treatment plan specifically for you.​

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• Your symptoms have been getting increasingly worse: If you have been developing the tell-tale symptoms of CKD, such as chronic urinary tract infections, itchy skin, or swelling in your legs, a nephrologist may be able to provide a diagnosis and provide a treatment plan to reduce your symptoms and improve your overall health.

 

• You have high blood pressure or diabetes: High blood pressure and diabetes are the two most common causes of CKD. If you have diabetes or high blood pressure, make sure that you are receiving regular check-ups from your general practitioner. Consistent blood and urine tests, which can detect changes in your kidneys’ function, can be essential to identifying CKD early and mitigating permanent damage to your kidneys.

 

• You have recently received a blood transfusion: Although it’s exceedingly rare, complications from blood transfusions can lead to acute kidney failure. After any treatments that include a blood transfusion, keeping a watchful eye over your kidney health is essential to ensure your kidneys are functioning at their best. A nephrologist can provide the clarity and answers you need during your recovery while monitoring any developments that could affect your kidneys.

 

• You've suffered a stroke: Because strokes are significantly more common among people with CKD, suffering a stroke could be a sign you have kidney disease. Because kidney disease often goes undetected for a long time, your kidney disease could be increasing your risk of stroke without you knowing.

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• Your family has a history of CKD: It has been demonstrated that people with first-degree relatives who have CKD are at three times the risk of developing CKD themselves. If a family member has CKD, you should talk to your doctor about it and receive tests regularly to monitor your own kidney health.

There’s no Wrong Time to See a Nephrologist

While there are numerous reasons to see a nephrologist, at the end of the day, the best reason to plan an appointment is to maintain and protect your kidney health. Kidney disease is frequently referred to as the ‘silent killer’ because its symptoms are so often missed, or detected only when the disease has progressed to a critical stage. In fact, 90% of people with CKD don’t even know they have it; by the time obvious symptoms begin to show, your kidneys’ function can have deteriorated significantly.
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While there’s no cure for kidney disease, early detection can give you and your nephrologist time to make changes to your lifestyle that can help preserve your health and prevent the condition from worsening.

Milwaukee Nephrologists Are Here For Kidney Health

Take control of your health. If you’re concerned about your kidneys, contact the experts at Milwaukee Nephrologists today to schedule a consultation, or talk to your primary care physician today about kidney health.

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