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Your kidneys might not get as much attention as your heart or lungs, but they play a vital role in your overall health. When something goes wrong with them, a nephrologist becomes one of the most important doctors on your care team.
But what exactly does a nephrologist do, and when should you see one? Let’s break it down.
🩺 Who Is a Nephrologist?
A nephrologist is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases of the kidneys. After completing medical school, nephrologists undergo additional training in internal medicine and then further specialize in kidney care.
Their role includes managing a range of kidney-related conditions and helping patients maintain kidney function as long as possible—sometimes even delaying or preventing the need for dialysis or a kidney transplant.
🔍 What Conditions Do Nephrologists Treat?
Nephrologists handle both acute (short-term) and chronic (long-term) kidney problems. Common conditions they manage include:
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Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
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Acute Kidney Injury (AKI)
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Kidney Stones
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Glomerulonephritis (inflammation of kidney filters)
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Polycystic Kidney Disease
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End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)
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Electrolyte Imbalances (e.g., sodium, potassium)
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High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) — especially when it’s difficult to control
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Kidney complications from diabetes or autoimmune diseases
They also work with patients undergoing:
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Hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis
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Kidney transplant evaluations and post-transplant care
🧪 What Does a Nephrologist Do During a Visit?
During your first visit, a nephrologist will:
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Review your medical history
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Order or interpret lab tests (e.g., blood urea nitrogen [BUN], creatinine, GFR)
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Evaluate urine tests for protein, blood, or infection
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Check your blood pressure and assess fluid balance
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Recommend dietary changes or medications
The goal is to protect your kidney function and prevent further decline.
👨⚕️ When Should You See a Nephrologist?
Your primary care doctor may refer you to a nephrologist if:
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Your kidney function is declining (low eGFR or high creatinine)
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You have protein or blood in your urine
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You have chronic or uncontrolled high blood pressure
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You’re managing diabetes with kidney complications
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You’ve had recurrent kidney stones
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You're approaching the need for dialysis or a transplant
Early referral to a nephrologist can make a big difference in long-term outcomes.
🧠 Final Thoughts
Nephrologists play a crucial role in keeping your kidneys—and by extension, your entire body—functioning well. From controlling high blood pressure to managing complex kidney diseases, their expertise helps prevent complications and improve quality of life.
If you or a loved one is facing kidney-related health issues, don’t wait. Consulting a nephrologist could be the first step in protecting your health for years to come.