To get in touch with your body, you must be able to recognize signs that indicate the need to visit a nephrologist. A subspecialty of internal medicine known as nephrology focuses on treating kidney disease. Your kidneys play a critical role in many aspects of your health, including waste and extra fluid removal from the blood, electrolyte balance maintenance, and the release of hormones that regulate things like blood pressure. If you are battling kidney disease, Devaraj Munikrishnappa, M.D. can assist by examining your kidneys and diagnosing their current condition to help you live a quality life. The following are some telltale indicators to help you decide whether a nephrologist visit is in order.
Changes in the frequency and volume of your urine
In other cases, urination may be decreasing or non-existent. Your urine may seem foamy or darker. “Even a little amount of blood may significantly alter the color of urine.”
Blood pressure problems
Impairment to the kidneys or renal failure is possible if you have high blood pressure. Your kidneys use several blood arteries to filter waste and excess fluids from the circulation. You cannot get the oxygen and nutrients you need to clean your blood if your blood vessels are broken. High blood pressure is the second most common cause of kidney failure after genetic factors. Know how to defend your kidneys and lower your blood pressure by seeing a nephrologist if you have high blood pressure.
If you are dealing with dry and itchy skin
Kidneys aid in eliminating waste and excess fluids from the body to keep it healthy. It also helps in the production of red blood cells, maintaining healthy bones, and controlling blood mineral concentrations. Skin that is very dry and itchy may indicate severe renal disease, which generally results in a deficiency of minerals and nutrients in the blood.
UTIs that do not go away
Left untreated, bacteria that enter the urethra and bladder may cause UTIs, which can then move to the kidneys. Patients with a UTI may have lower-pelvic discomfort and urgency, difficulty to empty their bladders, pain or burning while going to the bathroom, and murky urine, among other things. If you have frequent or persistent urinary tract infections (UTIs), you should consult a nephrologist. They may do the necessary tests to ensure that your kidneys are working correctly and to identify the source of the infection, therefore safeguarding your kidney health.
Swollen ankles and feet
Swelling of the feet and ankles may be caused by salt retention due to decreased renal function. Also, lower leg swelling may be a symptom of heart illness, liver disease, or persistent leg vein issues.
Your kidney function, the specific renal ailment you have, and many other risk factors all play a role in determining the ideal time to visit a kidney specialist. Some patients should visit a doctor for kidney problems far sooner than this. It is better to err on the side of caution and see a nephrologist sooner rather than later since early consultation with one of these medical professionals is associated with a higher chance of survival.
