Frequently Asked Questions About Nephrology

Your kidneys are two reddish-brown, bean-shaped organs located in the abdomen that filter blood, removing toxins, excess water, and other waste, while also making sugar (if your blood doesn’t have enough), regulating blood pressure, balancing the body’s pH, and performing other functions.

Kidneys are essential organs for life. Without them, your body cannot properly function or filter out harmful toxins and other waste from the blood, which can lead to uremia (a dangerous condition associated with kidney failure).ologist is the more formal name for the role.

Nephrologists are medical doctors who evaluate, diagnose, treat, and manage individuals with kidney conditions. Nephrologists have advanced knowledge in the management of hypertension, particularly when it’s difficult to control. They help in managing fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base disturbances, particularly those occurring in advanced kidney disease. A major role of nephrology is the oversight of dialysis in patients requiring renal replacement therapy or a kidney transplant, if indicated.

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a condition in which your kidneys become progressively damaged and are unable to perform properly. Without full kidney function, the body cannot filter waste, toxins, and other fluids. CKD is incredibly common, with an estimated 37 million adults affected in the U.S. alone. It may happen because of an injury, associated medical conditions (diabetes, heart disease, frequent UTIs, and more), long-term medication use, smoking, genetics, and more. As kidney disease advances, patients may require dialysis, transplants, and additional forms of treatment.

No, you do not need both kidneys to survive or live a healthy, happy life; however, it’s important that individuals who only have one kidney make healthy lifestyle choices and undergo routine checkups to ensure their remaining kidney remains healthy.

You may not experience any symptoms in the early stages of chronic kidney disease; however, as the disease progresses and your kidney function deteriorates, you might start exhibiting:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Muscle cramps
• Loss of appetite
• Swelling in the feet and ankles
• Dry or itchy skin
• shortness of breath
• trouble sleeping
• urinating too much or too little
• Blood in urine
• Foamy urine
• Puffy eyes

These symptoms may be associated with other medical conditions, so it’s important not to self-diagnose. If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms above, be sure to contact a trusted healthcare provider as soon as possible.

Diagnosis of CKD usually involves a blood or urine test, which can determine your kidneys’ overall function. If you’re at risk for kidney disease, don’t wait for symptoms to appear. Proactive testing can lead to earlier intervention and better outcomes.

Dialysis is a treatment that removes harmful toxins, excess fluid, and other waste from the body while also maintaining safe levels of minerals (potassium, sodium, calcium, etc.). Dialysis also helps patients regulate blood pressure. It typically takes place in a hospital or dialysis clinic, or even at home, with the right supervision and equipment. Treatments usually take 2-3 hours, 3 times a week; however, many factors can impact the frequency and length of treatment.

There are two main types of dialysis: hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. Hemodialysis uses a machine to filter the blood of toxins, while peritoneal dialysis uses the inner lining of the abdomen to remove waste and excess water. Both forms of dialysis are effective. To determine which form of dialysis fits your lifestyle and medical needs, consult a TPMG nephrologist.

TPMG nephrologists provide care at the following local hospitals and dialysis units in the area: Sentara Williamsburg Hospital in Williamsburg, Sentara Careplex in Hampton, Mary Immaculate Hospital in Newport News, Riverside Regional Medical Center in Newport News, Fresenius John Tyler in Williamsburg, Fresenius Thimble Shoals, Fresenius Denbigh, Fresenius Mercury, Fresenius Hampton, Fresenius Medical Drive in Gloucester, and DaVita.

Kidney stones (renal calculi or nephrolithiasis) are hard deposits of minerals, salts, and other substances that form in the kidneys. Kidney stones range from the size of a grain of sand to pea-sized pebbles. In very rare cases, stones can become as large or larger than golf balls. Most kidney stones pass on their own through urine, but some individuals require treatment to break up the stones or remove them if they cause blockage. Taking as long as three weeks, passing even small stones can be an incredibly painful process.

Unfortunately, kidney stones are incredibly common among adults. According to the American Medical Association, one in nine people will have a kidney stone in their lifetime. If you’re experiencing pain in your lower back, belly, or flank (side), talk to a physician about how you can find relief. While not all pain in this region will indicate a kidney stone, no pain should be treated as normal, and you may require medical intervention.

It may be possible to reduce your risk of kidney stones in the future by making some lifestyle modifications:

• Drink plenty of water
• Reduce sources of protein from animals
• Consume more calcium (milk, tofu, leafy greens, etc.)
• Reduce sodium intake

If you experience frequent kidney stones, despite making these types of changes, consult a nephrologist to see if medication may be necessary.