Nephrology

Overview

Nephrologists are physicians with advanced medical training for kidney diseases, hypertension, dialysis and kidney transplant management. Kidney diseases cared for by a nephrologist include glomerulonephritis (kidney inflammation), kidney failure and electrolyte abnormalities. 

Our nephrologists provide services in both inpatient and outpatient settings including: 

• Acute hemodialysis
• Acute peritoneal dialysis
• Hospital and clinic nephrology consultations and follow-up
• Outpatient dialysis management
• Post-renal transplant care
• Chronic kidney disease options and education

To find a nephrologist, visit our Find A Doctor page. 

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Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

Your kidneys filter excess fluids and waste from your blood. This waste leaves the body through your urine. Chronic kidney disease or kidney failure is the gradual loss of kidney function. When kidney disease is advanced, dangerously high levels of fluid, electrolytes and wastes build up in your body. 

Managing chronic kidney disease focuses on slowing the progression of kidney damage including controlling underlying causes. Kidney disease can progress to end-stage kidney failure, which can be fatal, but may be treated with dialysis or kidney transplantation.

Tips to prevent or slow down chronic kidney disease:

Control blood sugar
For patients with diabetes, controlling blood sugar is very important. After all, diabetes is the number one cause of chronic kidney disease. 

Lower blood pressure to less than 130/80 
High blood pressure destroys the tiny blood vessels in the kidneys and if untreated, can lead to kidney failure.

Stop smoking 
Smoking can cause damage to the blood vessels that affect the vital organs including the kidneys.

Lose weight
Being overweight or obese increases the chance of developing diabetes and high blood pressure and consequently, CKD.

Decrease salt intake 
Diets high in sodium increase blood pressure levels.

Eat a healthy diet
The Mediterranean diet has been shown to be beneficial for patients with kidney disease. This regimen is high in plant-based foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes and nuts with moderate consumption of fish, poultry and healthy fats and a very limited intake of red meats, processed foods and sweets.

Exercise
Activity helps maintain weight, control blood pressure and blood sugar.

Take your prescribed medications
Some drugs may affect the kidneys, talk to your doctor before taking any new medicines.   

Regular check-ups
See your family physician or kidney specialist for check-ups  including measurement of blood pressure as well as blood and urine tests.

Take care of your kidneys
As they say, an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure so view kidney care as a lifetime commitment.

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Kidney Dialysis

A special machine filters excess fluid, salt and harmful waste from your blood, restoring it to a healthy balance. Dialysis is used when the kidney is unable to perform this important function on its own. Dialysis is a life-support treatment for patients with chronic kidney disease or renal failure.

Types of dialysis used to treat kidney failure:

Hemodialysis: uses a man-made membrane to filter the blood. 

Peritoneal dialysis: uses the lining of the abdominal cavity (peritoneal membrane) and a solution (dialysate) to filter waste.