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At the Texas Kidney Institute, Nephrology is a specialty in internal medicine for adults which diagnoses and treats diseases that affect the kidneys. Kidney disease is on the rise, and nephrologists in Dallas, TX, have reported in the Medicare population at 28.8%, kidney disease in Dallas is higher than the US National average at 24.5%.
What Does a Nephrologist Do?
Nephrologists have an important job. They monitor and keep your body’s fluids flowing properly, whether that means high blood pressure and fluid retention, or electrolyte and mineral insufficiencies.
They are also one of the more important people in your world should your condition deteriorate and you develop an autoimmune condition such as lupus, need kidney dialysis treatments, or a kidney transplant.
Nephrologists are specialists in the renal system and associated functions. Your kidneys function as your body’s filter, sort of like the water filter functions on your coffee machine. It removes waste products and toxins and balances important mineral and water proportions in the body.
Why You Might See a Nephrologist in Dallas, TX
For a nephrologist in Dallas, TX, a referral is necessary from your primary care physician. If high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, or kidney problems run in your family, you may be at higher risk.
While your primary care physician can help you in preventative or early treatment, more serious or complex treatments will require the services of a specialist in kidney functions, such as a nephrologist. Typical conditions would be:
Recurring Kidney Conditions
Conditions like urinary tract infections, blood in the urine, and kidney stones can signal early signs of more serious conditions, such as bladder and kidney cancers.
Renal Bone Disorder
This disorder typically occurs in people with chronic kidney disease. This is a related disorder called renal bone disorder, or mineral and bone disease, which commonly attacks those receiving dialysis treatments.
It’s caused by the body’s inability to balance calcium and phosphorus levels due to damaged kidneys or a hormonal imbalance. You may also notice itchy skin and joint and bone pain.
Foamy Urine
Foamy urine is a major red flag. It happens when there is excessive protein build-up that’s not getting filtered out. Other symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breath, and cramping muscles.
This condition is called proteinuria and can have several relative causes, from mild to more serious, leading to kidney damage. This is a key indicator of kidney disease.
If you notice these symptoms, it’s important to visit a nephrologist in Dallas, TX, right away. Your nephrologist will order various blood tests to determine the health and wellness of your blood and kidney function.
Conclusion
f you have a family history of kidney issues, high blood pressure, or diabetes, it’s never a bad idea to have annual check-ups for kidney disease.
