How A Kidney Specialist Saves Lives

By Olivia Cross


The same factors that encourage high blood pressure, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes also spur the development of kidney disease, a serious affliction with no pharmacological cure. The physicians that face this problem daily are nephrologists, and deal with the dangerous complications that commonly arise. A kidney specialist helps patients live their lives as normally as possible while battling the symptoms.

Those with the highest risk factors for this affliction include people who do little or no exercise, already have diabetes, suffer from high blood pressure, and have related cardiac problems. Lifestyle choices regarding diet and exercise are important in developing this ailment, and it runs in related families. Some genetic groups experience higher rates than others, and the elderly population always faces the most danger.

In some cases people develop the condition over time, and have few noticeable symptoms. The only truly accurate diagnosis comes from urine and blood tests. They carefully measure levels of filtering and the amounts of proteins contained in urine, and the results may indicate serious problems. Although there is no way to reverse the damage, an accurate diagnosis helps prevent further deterioration.

If a measurable level of beneficial waste processing is still occurring internally, a doctor may prescribe diuretic medications that are capable of flushing out wastes and lowering overall blood pressure. They also commonly recommend a diet low in sodium, and strongly advise those at risk to begin an appropriate aerobic exercise regimen to help control weight and improve overall physical function. While helpful in some cases, they are not a cure for organ failure.

For those individuals there are only two current options. Dialysis is the most common, and involves cleansing the blood with the help of a machine. These devices mix and control the solutions used to carry away waste artificially. They help maintain electrolyte and mineral levels, and also monitor blood flow. Machines are now available for home use, but most commonly exist in hospitals or clinics.

The second option involves organ transplantation. Kidney replacement is the second most prevalent type of transplant surgery performed currently, and relies on organs from recently deceased donors or relatives who match the patient genetic profile and are willing to undergo an operation. Non-functional organs are often left in place when the replacements are connected. Many patients physically reject this tissue, and must take immune response-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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