{"id":4231,"date":"2025-04-16T22:09:28","date_gmt":"2025-04-16T22:09:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/drgura.com\/?p=4231"},"modified":"2025-04-16T22:12:06","modified_gmt":"2025-04-16T22:12:06","slug":"when-should-you-see-a-kidney-specialist","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/drgura.com\/es\/blog\/when-should-you-see-a-kidney-specialist\/","title":{"rendered":"When Should You See a Kidney Specialist?\u200b"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">The kidneys are one of the most essential organs of the body. Unfortunately, their health is often overlooked. Ignoring or mistreating the kidneys can have devastating long-term effects. So, to protect your kidneys, when should you see a kidney specialist? The answer to this question will depend on your age and present symptoms. If you suspect that you would benefit from a consultation with a <\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/drgura.com\/es\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">nephrologist<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">, take a look at this guide, which can help you determine whether or not this is the case.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">What Is a Kidney Specialist?<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Nephrologists, also referred to as kidney specialists, are trained to specialize in diagnosing and treating conditions and diseases of the kidneys. In the case of kidney injury, you should see a nephrologist because they will have specific kidney knowledge that a general practitioner might not.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">When Should You See a Kidney Specialist?<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">The main reason to visit a nephrologist is that you believe you are experiencing the symptoms of kidney disease. In addition, you should see a kidney specialist if you are facing other conditions or chronic diseases that are known to lead to lasting kidney damage. Examples of these conditions include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Family history of kidney disease<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Diabetes<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">High blood pressure<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Changes in urination<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Brain fog<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Discomfort in the kidneys<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Your general practitioner may refer you to a kidney specialist if your medical profile contains some of the above conditions. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">What Kinds of Tests Can a Nephrologist Perform?<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">There are many different tests that a nephrologist can perform to give you an accurate picture of the condition of your kidneys. <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Common<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> tests that a nephrologist may perform include:<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Kidney function tests<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Dialysis<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Kidney biopsy<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Kidney transplant care<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Imaging tests<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">If they deem it necessary, your kidney specialist may order multiple tests to determine the exact kidney problem you are facing.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">What Are the Symptoms of Kidney Disease?<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Several symptoms can indicate that a patient is facing kidney disease, which may be occurring in a patient. Common symptoms include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Vomiting<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Lack of appetite<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Sleep problems<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Urination inconsistency<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Cramps<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Swollen feet or ankles<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Dry and itchy skin<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">High blood pressure<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Shortness of breath<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Chest pain<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Issues with sleep<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Some of these symptoms can be indicative of kidney damage that has progressed to such a point of severity that the patient requires intervention and treatment.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">In very severe cases of kidney disease, there lies the risk of kidney failure, which is a life-threatening emergency. Therefore, you should opt for kidney health examinations at the first sign of complications. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">How Is Kidney Disease Treated?<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Currently, there is no all-encompassing cure for chronic kidney disease. Luckily, there are steps one can take to manage the condition. Treatments available for chronic kidney disease include the following:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Managing your blood glucose if you have diabetes<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Managing your blood pressure<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Following a kidney-friendly diet (this may include limiting your sodium intake)<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Quitting smoking<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Avoiding taking painkillers<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Managing your weight<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Exercising regularly<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Your physician may have additional recommendations for you based on your medical history and any other factors that might be playing into your situation. In the case of chronic kidney disease that is at its end stage, your nephrologist may recommend kidney dialysis.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">What Is Kidney Dialysis?<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Kidney <\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/treatments\/14618-dialysis\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">dialysis<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> is a medical procedure where the process that your kidneys perform naturally \u2013 removing waste products from the body \u2013 is assisted artificially with machines.<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Dialysis becomes a necessity for many patients with terminal long-term kidney disease. If your kidney specialist has determined that this is the best course of treatment for your personal kidney situation, then you will be guided through the process and given guidelines in terms of what to expect. Following your physician&#8217;s advice at each step can ensure that you receive your treatment in the safest manner possible.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Nephrologist in LA\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Dr. Gura is widely regarded as one of the best kidney specialists in Southern California. If you would like to receive the services of a world-renowned kidney specialist, contact Dr. Gura&#8217;s office today to schedule an appointment and discuss <\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/drgura.com\/es\/services\/preventative-medicine\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">preventive medicine<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> for your kidneys.<\/span><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The kidneys are one of the most essential organs of the body. Unfortunately, their health is often overlooked. Ignoring or mistreating the kidneys can have devastating long-term effects. So, to protect your kidneys, when should you see a kidney specialist? The answer to this question will depend on your age and present symptoms. If you &#8230; <a title=\"When Should You See a Kidney Specialist?\u200b\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/drgura.com\/es\/blog\/when-should-you-see-a-kidney-specialist\/\" aria-label=\"Leer m\u00e1s sobre When Should You See a Kidney Specialist?\u200b\">Leer m\u00e1s<\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":4232,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[11],"tags":[16,15],"class_list":["post-4231","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-kidney-health","tag-kidney-faqs","tag-kidney-treatment","resize-featured-image"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/drgura.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4231","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/drgura.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/drgura.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/drgura.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/drgura.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4231"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/drgura.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4231\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4235,"href":"https:\/\/drgura.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4231\/revisions\/4235"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/drgura.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4232"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/drgura.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4231"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/drgura.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4231"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/drgura.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4231"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}