Frequently Asked Questions

Nephrology is a specialized area of internal medicine. Nephrologists are doctors who are experts in kidney function. They also specialize in how kidney function is involved in or affected by conditions that impact the whole body, such as high blood pressure, also called hypertension. Nephrologists treat kidney diseases that affect how the kidneys work, such as chronic kidney disease. A pediatric nephrologist provides kidney care services to children. Urologists specialize in all parts of the urinary tract, including the bladder, kidneys and urethra, the tube that carries urine outside the body. They're also experts in the male reproductive system. While urologists are experts in kidneys, too, they're primarily concerned with the kidneys' role in the urinary tract.

The kidneys are bean-shaped organs about the size of your fist. There is one on each side of the body right below the ribs. Kidneys have two main functions. They filter out extra fluid, toxins and waste from the blood, creating urine. Passing urine helps maintain the body's healthy balance of minerals, salts and water. Kidneys also make certain hormones, or chemical messengers, that control blood pressure, help create red blood cells and keep bones strong.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a condition that develops when the kidneys don't filter out extra fluid, toxins or waste as well as they should. Over time, CKD can lead to:

• Depression
• Heart disease
• Loss of appetite
• More infections
• Poor quality of life

Without treatment, CKD may progress to kidney failure, also called end-stage renal disease.

Some types of early-stage kidney disease don't cause noticeable symptoms, while others do. Three warning signs of chronic kidney disease you might notice are:

• Blood in the urine
• Difficult, frequent or painful urination, especially at night
• Puffiness or swelling around the eyes and in the feet and hands

High blood pressure may be a sign of CKD, too. Blood or urine tests are also used to detect other signs of CKD.

The number l cause of CKD is diabetes. However, there are many other possible causes, including:

• Being born with a kidney abnormality
• Certain chemicals, drugs or toxins Kidney stones
• Polycystic kidney disease, an inherited condition
• Uncontrolled or poorly controlled high blood pressure
• Urinary tract infections

Chronic kidney disease is treated through a combination of:

• Avoiding smoking
• Changes in diet
• Getting enough sleep
• Medication or other treatments to help control other chronic conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure
• Mental health support to address depression and manage stress
• Regular exercise

Kidney failure, or end-stage renal disease, is treated with dialysis or a kidney transplant. Dialysis refers to a group of treatments that help the body filter extra flu id, toxins and waste from the blood.

Low Potassium Diet
Low Sodium Diet