Signs It Is Time To See a Nephrologist

The role of your kidney is critical to enhancing your overall wellness. Unfortunately, sometimes the kidney may be infected, failing to function properly. The experience can be frustrating as you may experience pain, and your body might be unable to remove excess fluids and wastes. In this instance, you need to choose a nephrology physician Dr. Thomas Nguyen to get a complete diagnosis and treatment. However, knowing the symptoms and when to schedule an appointment with a nephrologist can be complex and anxious. Here are some signs it is time to see a nephrologist.

You Have High Blood Pressure

When you have high blood pressure, you are prone to experience damaged kidneys or kidney failure. Your kidney is responsible for filtering fluids and getting rid of excess fluid from the blood, requiring several blood vessels to achieve it. So, once you have damaged blood vessels, nephrons responsible for filtering your blood fail to get the necessary nutrients and oxygen. Thus, if you have high blood pressure, you should see a nephrologist to understand measures you can embrace to secure your kidneys.

You Are Diabetic

Diabetes is another warning sign you may be at risk of kidney problems. Healthcare providers assert that diabetes can lead to massive stress and damage to your kidneys. If you have diabetes, you may risk kidney failure if you do not receive dialysis. Some of the warning signs of diabetes you should be aware of include poor appetite, nausea, and swelling of the feet, hands, and face. If you have or are suspicious of these signs, you should see a kidney doctor immediately.

You Experience Kidney Stones

Kidney stones develop when your kidneys have accumulated minerals and salts resulting from a lack of metabolic disorder and water intake. They can be bothersome as they contribute to the extreme pain, particularly when urinating. In most cases, the pain intensity can vary, making you uncomfortable. Family history, certain medical conditions, and failure to drink water can be responsible for the formation of kidney stones. Seeing a nephrologist is crucial to receive medication to eliminate kidney stones.

Crystals and Blood in Your Urine

Crystals (oxalates) and blood in the urine (hematuria) are warning signs of a severely damaged kidney. Sometimes the blood in the urine tends to be pink or red, which might result from a kidney infection, kidney stones, kidney disease, or urinary tract infection. Alternatively, oxalates can become kidney stones forming high levels of oxalate, calcium, and phosphate. Thus, when you notice blood in your urine, you should immediately see your kidney specialist.

You Have Acute Kidney Injury

Acute kidney injury is a severe condition that requires instant medical attention. You are likely to suffer from this condition if you have kidney damage or kidney failure, which has occurred within hours or days. Usually, normal kidney failure occurs from gradual kidney damage, but acute kidney injury occurs unexpectedly, although your doctor can reverse it. If you are above 65 years, you should schedule an appointment with your kidney specialist because you are more likely to develop acute kidney injury.

Kidney complications can be life-threatening at times if left untreated. Therefore, knowing when your kidney is functioning abnormally is essential to prepare you for medical attention. On the other hand, scheduling an appointment with your nephrology physician is vital in helping you receive a diagnosis and treatment for kidney concerns. Your provider will evaluate and perform various tests to confirm if your kidney is functioning properly. The specialist will also recommend measures you can integrate into your lifestyle to lower the risks of kidney problems.