The Work Done By A 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.

Kidneys are very important organs in the body because of the vital functions they perform. Serious health problems are caused by mild problems with the organs. Therefore, immediate medical attention from a kidney doctor should be sought the instance one suspects the existence of a problem. Nephrologists are medical practitioners whose specialty is in treating diseases affecting kidneys.

The term nephrologist is derived from a Greek word nephros. The translation of the word nephros from Greek to English means renal or kidney while ologist means a person who studies. The word kidney doctors and the term nephrologists are employed interchangeably. Nephrologists have training in internal medicine, but they undergo more training and specialization to be able to treat diseases affecting kidneys.

Nephrology falls under the branches of internal medicine. Becoming an expert in nephrology requires being a degree holder a medical school that is accredited. One must first complete a bachelor degree before they can be admitted into a medical school to study this profession. A three-year residency is part of the qualification process. Completing the residency is mandatory before certification.

In Cleveland, OH, part of the certification process requires applicants to take and pass the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) certification exam. Besides the normal residency period, applicants may also need to complete a year or two of laboratory or clinical research. This helps to make the practitioners more qualified and specialized in a specific area.

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.

Urine and blood tests are part of the diagnosis process. How well the kidneys are working can be told from these tests. If the tests are not sufficient, the practitioner may conduct an ultrasound or a biopsy. However, it is important to know that nephrologists cannot perform surgery. This is because their training does not cover surgical procedures.




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