Kidney specialists provide in-depth, cutting-edge care for patients with kidney disease. With a kidney specialist, you and your loved ones can rest assured that you will receive the latest information, treatments, and research as it becomes available. Kidney specialists such as Devaraj Munikrishnappa, M.D. also play an essential role in educating patients about their illness and the public about kidney disease.
What kind of diseases do kidney specialists treat?
- Urinary tract infections or UTIs
UTIs are one of the most common causes of pain in the lower back, abdomen, or groin. They occur when bacteria enter the urinary tract and multiply, causing inflammation and irritation. Many women get UTIs from sexually transmitted infections, including gonorrhea and chlamydia. They can also be caused by diabetes, kidney stones, and certain birth control pills.
- Kidney stones
Kidney stones are hard deposits inside the kidneys when minerals collect in urine and combine with calcium. Most kidney stones are small enough to pass through the urinary tract without causing symptoms, but larger ones can cause severe pain that radiates to your lower back or groin area.
- Kidney cancer
Kidney cancer can occur in either of the kidneys, but it is most often found in the right kidney. Kidney cancer is rare, accounting for only 2 percent of all cancers. However, since it can be deadly if left untreated, it is crucial to know when to seek medical attention.
- Glomerulonephritis
Glomerulonephritis is a condition that affects your kidneys. It causes inflammation in the tiny filters of the kidneys called glomeruli. This can lead to kidney damage, including kidney failure. Glomerulonephritis can be caused by various factors, including infections such as hepatitis, certain medications, and certain autoimmune diseases.
This condition requires prompt medical treatment. If you have symptoms of glomerulonephritis, you should see a kidney specialist immediately to get the treatment needed to prevent further damage to your kidneys and other organs.
- Electrolyte disorders
Electrolytes are minerals that carry an electrical charge when dissolved in water. They are present in blood plasma, the liquid part of the blood. Electrolyte disorders can affect your heart rhythm and other functions of your heart if they are not treated properly.
- Renal tubular acidosis
This condition occurs when the kidneys can’t properly regulate acid levels in the body. This can lead to problems with bone health, as well as problems with digestion, metabolism, and other organ systems.
- Amyloidosis
Amyloidosis is a condition in which abnormal proteins called amyloids are deposited in tissues and organs. Amyloidosis can affect many different parts of the body, including the heart, kidneys, skin, and nervous system. The kidneys are affected by amyloidosis when deposits of abnormal protein form in the kidneys. This disease often leads to kidney failure.
Kidney specialists diagnose this condition by examining a patient’s medical history and conducting laboratory tests on blood and urine samples. Treatment for amyloidosis may include medications or dialysis.
Kidney specialists are also called nephrologists or internists. They have completed advanced training in internal medicine and extensive training in diagnosing and managing kidney disease. A nephrologist from Houston Kidney Specialists Center can provide you with a better understanding of your condition and recommend treatment options that are best for you.
