Nephrology

A nephrologist (neh-frah-leh-jist) is a doctor with expertise in the care of kidneys. Your kidneys are part of your urinary system. They’re bean-shaped organs that filter your blood and remove waste, excess water and electrolytes, which leave your body as urine (pee).

What Does a Nephrologist Do?

A nephrologist is a medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of kidney (renal) diseases and disorders. Nephrology is a subspecialty of internal medicine, and nephrologists are highly trained in the field of nephrology. Nephrologists diagnose and treat a wide range of kidney-related conditions, including chronic kidney disease (CKD), acute kidney injury (AKI), kidney stones, glomerulonephritis, and various electrolyte and fluid imbalances. High blood pressure (hypertension) is a common cause and consequence of kidney disease. Nephrologists are skilled in managing hypertension, which often requires specialized care to protect kidney function.

How Do You Become a Nephrologist?

To become a nephrologist, doctors must complete: Four years of college. Four years of medical school. Three years of residency (continued training concentrating on the field of nephrology). Two to three years of a fellowship.

What Is Transplant Nephrology?

Transplant nephrology specializes in kidney and pancreas transplants as well as caring for kidney and pancreas transplant recipients.

What Are Common Conditions That a Nephrologist Treats?

Some of the most common conditions that a nephrologist may treat include: Diabetic and other kidney diseases. High blood pressure. Kidney failure. Cystic kidney disease. Kidney stones. Nephrotic syndrome. End-stage renal (kidney) disease. Hemolytic uremic syndrome. Urinary tract infections (UTIs). Kidney infections. Hyponatremia and other electrolyte disorders. Toxic overdoses that require dialysis. Glomerulonephritis (GN).

What is the difference between a nephrologist and a urologist?

The differences between a nephrologist and a urologist may be confusing because their areas of expertise overlap a little. Nephrologists specialize in conditions that affect your kidneys. A nephrologist is the best doctor to treat you if you have a condition that affects your kidneys or kidney function. A urologist is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions that affect your urinary system. Your urinary system includes your bladder, urethra, ureters and kidneys. They also specialize in conditions, symptoms and treatments that affect the male and female reproductive systems. A urologist is the best doctor to treat you if you have a condition affecting your urinary system or reproductive system. Another key difference between a nephrologist and a urologist is that urologists have surgical training. Urologists only take care of kidney diseases that may require an intervention, like kidney cancer or kidney stones. Nephrologists don’t do surgery.

When should I see a nephrologist?

You should see a nephrologist if you have any symptoms of kidney disease. Signs of kidney disease may include: Biological family history of kidney disease. If one of your direct genetic (biological) relatives has kidney disease, you may be at greater risk of kidney disease. A nephrologist can help prevent kidney disease or treat its earliest stages. Diabetes. Diabetes can damage your kidneys. If you have diabetes, you are at a higher risk of kidney failure. High blood pressure. High blood pressure can also damage your kidneys. Your kidneys use blood vessels to help filter waste and excess fluids from your blood. High blood pressure can make your blood vessels less elastic, which reduces blood and oxygen flow to your kidneys. Reduced blood and oxygen flow can cause kidney failure. Changes in your pee. Changes in your pee or peeing habits may indicate a kidney condition. Signs may include peeing more often or less often, frothy pee or pee that’s darker in color. Brain fog. Brain fog may be a symptom of kidney disease. It isn’t a medical condition, but your healthcare provider may use the term to describe slow or impaired thinking. You may be easily confused, forgetful or unable to focus.