How to Tell When it is Time to See a Kidney Specialist
So many adults are living with kidney disease, and the worst part is most of them do not know anything about it. There are several physical signs to show something is wrong with your kidney. However, sometimes people attribute them to other conditions primarily because of a lack of adequate information on kidney disease. Likewise, if you are suffering from kidney disease, you may not experience the symptoms until it is too late. It is one reason why a meager percentage of people with chronic kidney disease know they have it. The only way you can be sure you have kidney disease is by getting tested by your reputable nephrologist, Jonathan Pankow, M.D.
However, some telling signs may indicate the need to see a kidney specialist in order to determine if there is any need for the appropriate treatment. Some of them include;
Changes in your urinating pattern/habit
If you notice you are urinating less frequently and sometimes not at all, that should be a point of concern that you should address. Likewise, if your urine appears frothy or darker than you are accustomed to, you need to schedule an appointment with a kidney specialist. You may not know this, but even a little blood in your urine can change its color entirely.
Having dry and itchy skin
Healthy kidneys are responsible for so many functions in the human body, and ensuring your skin is in perfect condition is just one of the many. Kidneys are tasked with removing wastes and extra fluid from the body, helping to form red blood cells, and keeping the bones strong. They are also responsible for maintaining the right amounts of minerals in the body. If you have dry and itchy skin, it could indicate mineral and bone disease, which is in most situations accompanied by advanced kidney disease.
Chronic urinary tract infections
If you are encountering frequent urinary tract infections, you should know they are typically bladder infections. It means you are at a higher risk for the infection to travel up to your kidneys. It also puts you in more danger of developing kidney disease, permanent kidney damage, and sometimes total kidney failure. If you have chronic UTI symptoms such as blood in the urine, fever, and fatigue, this could indicate something is wrong, such as bladder or kidney cancer cases. Do not ignore such signs when you should see a nephrologist and have it sorted out.
High blood pressure
One of the roles of the kidney is to regulate blood pressure by releasing hormones. When they are damaged, they are incapable of doing their job correctly, which brings about all sorts of complications.
If you wonder whether you should see a nephrologist, watch out for the stop signs and schedule an appointment as soon as possible. Remember, the best time to see a kidney specialist varies on your kidney function but do not hesitate to seek help if you feel something could be wrong. The sooner you see a professional, the better your chances get towards recovery.