Urologists treat conditions of the urinary tract, which includes the urethra, bladder and kidneys. However, urologists only treat particular conditions of the kidneys. They can perform surgery, remove cancerous cells, and eliminate kidney stones.
What kind of doctor specializes in kidneys?
Nephrologists, or kidney doctors, study the kidneys and any diseases that affect them. They complete 2 more years of training after medical school and residency. If your primary care or family doctor thinks your kidneys aren’t working well, they may send you to a nephrologist.
What is the difference between renal and urology?
To summarize, nephrologists specifically treat diseases that affect the kidneys and their ability to function, such as diabetes or kidney failure. Urologists treat conditions of the urinary tract, including those that can be affected by the kidneys such as kidney stones and obstruction.
How does a urologist look at your kidneys?
During a cystoscopy, a cystoscope is inserted through the urethra into the bladder. During a ureteroscopy, the urologist will focus on viewing the ureter and lining of the kidney, known as the renal pelvis.
Which is better nephrologist or urologist?
While a nephrologist focuses on diseases and conditions that affect the kidney more directly, a urologist focuses on diseases and conditions that can affect the male and female urinary tract. The urinary tract includes the kidneys, but also several other parts such as the ureters, bladder, and urethra.
What are the signs that your kidneys are not working properly?
If your kidneys aren’t working properly, you may notice one or more of the following signs: Fatigue (extreme tiredness) An upset stomach or vomiting. Confusion or trouble concentrating.
What are the first signs of kidney disease?
Generally, earlier stages are known as 1 to 3. And as kidney disease progresses, you may notice the following symptoms. Nausea and vomiting, muscle cramps, loss of appetite, swelling via feet and ankles, dry, itchy skin, shortness of breath, trouble sleeping, urinating either too much or too little.
Does a urologist treat kidney cysts?
Treatment. Kidney cysts sometimes do not require treatment. When treatment is needed, you will see a urologist (a doctor specializing in conditions of the urinary tract). Some possible treatments include, laparoscopic surgery.
How do you improve kidney function?
Here are some tips to help keep your kidneys healthy.
- Keep active and fit.
- Control your blood sugar.
- Monitor blood pressure.
- Monitor weight and eat a healthy diet.
- Drink plenty of fluids.
- Don’t smoke.
- Be aware of the amount of OTC pills you take.
- Have your kidney function tested if you’re at high risk.
At what stage of kidney disease should you see a nephrologist?
Seeing a doctor when you have stage 3 CKD
As stage 3 progresses, a patient should see a nephrologist (a doctor who specializes in treating kidney disease). Nephrologists examine patients and perform lab tests so they can gather information about their condition to offer the best advice for treatment.
Why would a urologist order a CT scan?
A CT urogram is used to examine the kidneys, ureters and bladder. It lets your doctor see the size and shape of these structures to determine if they’re working properly and to look for any signs of disease that may affect your urinary system.
What do urologists treat?
A urologist is trained to diagnose and treat problems of the urinary tract. Urologists deal with men and women alike. With women, a urologist deals only with the problems of the urinary tract. With men, however, the urologist can diagnose and treat disorders of the penis and testicles also.
What does a urologist do on the first visit?
The doctor will perform a male genitourinary exam during your first appointment. That is a complete examination of the urinary tract region. The physician will perform a genital exam and a digital rectal exam to explore the prostate. The urologist may evaluate other areas as well.
Is drinking a lot of water good for your kidneys?
Water helps the kidneys remove wastes from your blood in the form of urine. Water also helps keep your blood vessels open so that blood can travel freely to your kidneys, and deliver essential nutrients to them. But if you become dehydrated, then it is more difficult for this delivery system to work.
Can your kidneys make you tired?
A severe decrease in kidney function can lead to a buildup of toxins and impurities in the blood. This can cause people to feel tired, weak and can make it hard to concentrate. Another complication of kidney disease is anemia, which can cause weakness and fatigue.
What causes kidney disease?
Diabetes and high blood pressure are the most common causes of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Your health care provider will look at your health history and may do tests to find out why you have kidney disease. The cause of your kidney disease may affect the type of treatment you receive.
Can kidneys repair themselves?
While a damaged kidney typically can’t repair itself, the condition can be treated if caught early. Acute kidney failure can be reversed with prompt hospitalization, although the recovery process can take weeks to months and requires regular monitoring, diet modifications, and medications.
What color is urine when your kidneys are failing?
Light-brown or tea-colored urine can be a sign of kidney disease/failure or muscle breakdown.
Does kidney disease affect bowel movements?
Constipation is highly prevalent in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and is primarily characterized by decreased intestinal motility. This chronic disorder affects the quality of life of patients.
Will a urine test show kidney disease?
A urinalysis can help to detect a variety of kidney and urinary tract disorders, including chronic kidney disease, diabetes, bladder infections and kidney stones. This may be done as part of a urinalysis or by a separate dipstick test.
What does it feel like when something is wrong with your kidneys?
A dull ache that’s usually constant. Pain under your rib cage or in your belly. Pain in your side; usually only one side, but sometimes both hurt. Sharp or severe pain that may come in waves.
