Kidney and hypertension specialist doctors are doctors who study the science of kidney disease or nephrology in depth. There are two types of kidney specialist doctors based on the age of the patient being treated, namely children and adults. Kidney specialists play a role to diagnose and determine the treatment of patients with kidney disease.
Nephrology is a branch of medical science that is included in internal medicine. To become a kidney and hypertension specialist, a general practitioner needs to complete his specialist internal medicine education first, then continue his subspecialty education in the field of nephrology. After completing this education, the doctor will get the title of specialist in kidney disease and hypertension consultant (Sp.PD-KGH).
Areas of Kidney and Hypertension Specialist
As mentioned above, kidney and hypertension specialists are divided into two, namely for adults (over 18 years) and children (aged 0-18 years). Adult kidney specialists undergo an internal medicine specialist education first, then study the nephrology field. Whereas a pediatric kidney specialist, undergoing education as a pediatrician before taking a nephrology specialization for children.
After completing education, kidney and hypertension specialist doctors can immediately practice, take a career path in academia or teach, join a drug company, a medical device company, or provide dialysis services.
Diseases Treated by Kidney Specialists and Hypertension
Kidney disease can occur in one or both kidneys in the body. There are various factors that increase a person's risk of kidney disease, such as age, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, infection, side effects of medication, and the presence of family members with a history of kidney disease.
Patients will be referred by a general practitioner to see a kidney specialist if they have symptoms of kidney disease, such as:
- The presence of protein or blood in the urine.
- Dizziness and weakness due to electrolyte disturbances and imbalances of acids and bases.
- The frequency of urination is reduced or not urinating at all.
- Swelling in the body or all parts of the body.
- Pale and tired associated with anemia due to kidney disorders.
- Pain in the lower back or waist.
- High blood pressure.
Kidney specialists have knowledge of the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of various kidney diseases. Diseases handled by kidney specialists are:
- Congenital kidney disease.
- Cancer or kidney tumor, for example Wilms tumor.
- Nephrotic syndrome.
- Polycystic kidney disease (PCOS).
- Acute and chronic kidney failure.
- Diabetes-related kidney disease (diabetic nephropathy).
- Kidney disease due to hypertension.
- Acute tubular necrosis.
- Acute and chronic glomerulonephritis.
- Renal colic.
- Nephritic Syndrome.
- Urinary tract stones.
- Urinary tract infection.
- Lupus nephritis.
- Kidney infection (pyelonephritis).
Actions Performed by Kidney Specialists
Before taking action, the kidney specialist will diagnose the cause and severity of the kidney disease experienced by the patient, by conducting a physical examination, tracing the patient's medical history and medical record, and suggesting other additional examinations, such as examination of kidney function. Kidney specialists can also recommend a biopsy procedure, if you suspect a kidney disease related to a tumor or cancer.
The following are tests that make it easy for doctors to diagnose kidney disease:
- Urine test, to see protein levels and analysis of other substances in the urine.
- Blood tests, to see levels of urea nitrogen and other components in the blood including electrolytes, blood gas analysis, and hormones.
- Creatinine and urea test, to determine kidney function.
- GFR (glomerular filtration rate) or test to see the kidney's ability to filter metabolic waste from the body.
- Imaging tests, such as CT scan, MRI, urography, ultrasound and renal X-ray to see the condition and evaluate the structure of the kidney and its surroundings.
After establishing the diagnosis, the doctor will determine a treatment plan according to the patient's condition, including changes in diet and diet, administration of medicines, or dialysis procedures.
To provide the best treatment for patients, kidney specialists will coordinate with other specialist doctors, such as nutritionists or urologists. If the patient's condition does not improve after treatment or in the case of severe kidney problems, the kidney doctor can also recommend the kidney transplant procedure.
When Should You See Your Kidney and Hypertension Specialist?
Kidney disease tends to cause no symptoms, or cause only a few non-specific symptoms, even when kidney disease is severe. Therefore, you are advised to regularly check kidney health, especially if you have risk factors for kidney disease. Immediately see a doctor, if you experience some of the following symptoms:
- Trouble urinating.
- Urinating blood.
- Fatigue.
- Hard to breathe.
- Sleep disturbance or insomnia.
- Metallic taste in the mouth.
- Back or waist pain.
- Abnormal blood pressure, either too high or too low.
Preparation Before Meeting Your Kidney and Hypertension Specialist
Invite family members or relatives to accompany you when meeting with a kidney specialist, so you can help make decisions and provide mental support. Be sure to record the symptoms and complaints that you experience, bring a complete medical history document, including the results of previous laboratory tests. This information will assist the kidney specialist in providing the right diagnosis. You can also prepare a list of questions to follow up on the diagnosis given by your kidney and hypertension doctor.
Try to choose a kidney and hypertension specialist who makes you feel comfortable and can clearly answer the questions you ask. You can ask for recommendations from general practitioners who treat you, or from relatives who have been treated by kidney and hypertension specialists. The sooner your kidney disease is treated, the greater your chance of recovery.
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