Friday 29 April 2016

Information To Know About Kidney Doctor

By Matthew Perry


The kidney is the organ that is involved with removing excess waste products and fluid in the body through the process of excretion. Urine is produced in this organ and is mainly composed of waste products. Besides removing excess waste products, kidneys also play a vital role in regulating body salts, acid content, and potassium among other materials. Another function performed by kidneys is the stimulation of the production of red blood cells. Red blood cells regulate calcium, blood pressure, and metabolism of electrolyte in the body.

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 term nephrologist derives from nephros, a Greek term. It means renal or kidney when translated into the English language. On the other hand, ologist is an individual who studies. The terms nephrologists and kidney doctors are interchangeable. Nephrologists train in internal medicine but specialize in the treatment and care of kidneys.

Nephrology is one of the branches of internal medicine. One needs to be a degree holder from an accredited medical school in order to qualify to work in this profession. To be admitted into a medical school, it is mandatory for one to first have a bachelor degree. Part of qualification calls for completion of a three-year residency. Certification can only be applied for after completing the residency program.

In Cleveland, as part of the process to qualify to work as nephrologists, applicants are supposed to take and pass (ABIM) American Board of Internal Medicine certification exam. In addition to the three years of residency, additional one or two years of clinical or laboratory research is needed in some programs. Clinical or laboratory research qualifies practitioners more in their area of specialty.

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, nephrologists treat patients referred to them by general physicians or primary care physicians. They treat and care for a wide range of diseases including acute renal failure, high blood pressure, PKD, CKD, and kidney stones. They also perform transplants of kidneys and dialysis. Care begins after reviewing the medical history of the patient first.

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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