How A Kidney Specialist Helps Patients Live Normal Lives

By Olivia Cross


Kidney disease and its related complications commonly develop along with metabolic syndrome, high blood pressure, and diabetes. The condition is life-threatening, and currently has no pharmacological remedy. The doctors facing this problem on a daily basis are called nephrologists, and specialize in preserving remaining function. A kidney specialist also gives patients a greater opportunity to live life fully.

Those most at risk include people who are overweight, do little aerobic exercise, and who may also suffer from diabetes, high blood pressure, and related heart issues. Lifestyle choices can influence the development of renal problems, which also commonly exist in related family groups. Certain genetic pools have a greater potential for organ failure, and the elderly are always most at risk.

In some cases people develop the problem over several years without experiencing noticeable symptoms, and receive an accurate diagnosis only via blood and urine tests. Testing measures the current levels of waste filtering as well as protein levels, both of which can provide indications of developing problems. While existing damage is irreversible, it is important to discover the disease as early as possible.

If there is still a significant level of waste processing taking place internally, doctors may recommend medications that act as diuretics, flushing water from the body while lowering blood pressure. They may also prescribe a low-sodium diet in combination with an age-appropriate aerobic exercise program to help control body weight. While these options can be helpful, they do not cure patients in actual renal failure.

For people facing that reality there are only two currently available options. The most prevalent is dialysis, which uses a machine to artificially remove waste products using special solutions designed to imitate natural processes. Dialysis includes monitoring both mineral and electrolyte levels while carefully gauging blood flow. There are currently machines available for home use, but most are still located in hospitals.

The other widely available option involves organ transplantation. Kidney transplants are the second most common form of this surgery, and depend on genetically matched relatives willing to give up one organ, or on recently deceased donors. The organs are connected internally while leaving the diseased tissue in place unless it poses an additional danger. Some patients physically reject transplants, and must rely on immune-suppressing drugs.

Most nephrologists tailor individual treatment plans to circumstances and disease progression. Available options commonly include the services of specially trained nurses who regularly deal with kidney-related nutritional issues, related social problems that may develop, and the intricacies of ongoing treatment. Because they see dialysis patients so often, many doctors form close relationships with the people under their care.

Prevention is encouraged by getting enough exercise, eating a diet low in processed foods, and by having a yearly blood test. Residents of Beverly Hills, CA live in proximity with some of the most advanced medical facilities anywhere, but can only benefit if they take the time for annual testing. There is no cure for end-stage renal problems, but those suffering today have access to better treatments than were previously available.




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