lundi 23 février 2015

How A Kidney Specialist Saves Lives

By Olivia Cross


Kidney disease and its related complications commonly develop along with metabolic syndrome, high blood pressure, and diabetes. The condition is life-threatening, and currently has no pharmacological remedy. The doctors facing this problem on a daily basis are called nephrologists, and specialize in preserving remaining function. A kidney specialist also gives patients a greater opportunity to live life fully.

Those with the highest risk factors for this affliction include people who do little or no exercise, already have diabetes, suffer from high blood pressure, and have related cardiac problems. Lifestyle choices regarding diet and exercise are important in developing this ailment, and it runs in related families. Some genetic groups experience higher rates than others, and the elderly population always faces the most danger.

In some cases people develop the condition over time, and have few noticeable symptoms. The only truly accurate diagnosis comes from urine and blood tests. They carefully measure levels of filtering and the amounts of proteins contained in urine, and the results may indicate serious problems. Although there is no way to reverse the damage, an accurate diagnosis helps prevent further deterioration.

If there is still a significant level of waste processing taking place internally, doctors may recommend medications that act as diuretics, flushing water from the body while lowering blood pressure. They may also prescribe a low-sodium diet in combination with an age-appropriate aerobic exercise program to help control body weight. While these options can be helpful, they do not cure patients in actual renal failure.

For patients in that category, only two workable options currently exist. The most common is dialysis, which uses a mechanical device to filter and cleanse the blood. These machines mix and control the artificial fluids used for this type of filtering. They maintain mineral and electrolyte levels, and constantly check blood flow. Some patients have home devices, but most are situated in clinics or hospitals.

The second option involves organ transplantation. Kidney replacement is the second most prevalent type of transplant surgery performed currently, and relies on organs from recently deceased donors or relatives who match the patient genetic profile and are willing to undergo an operation. Non-functional organs are often left in place when the replacements are connected. Many patients physically reject this tissue, and must take immune response-suppressing drugs.

Most nephrologists tailor individual treatment plans to circumstances and disease progression. Available options commonly include the services of specially trained nurses who regularly deal with kidney-related nutritional issues, related social problems that may develop, and the intricacies of ongoing treatment. Because they see dialysis patients so often, many doctors form close relationships with the people under their care.

Prevention is encouraged by getting enough exercise, eating a diet low in processed foods, and by having a yearly blood test. Residents of Beverly Hills, CA live in proximity with some of the most advanced medical facilities anywhere, but can only benefit if they take the time for annual testing. There is no cure for end-stage renal problems, but those suffering today have access to better treatments than were previously available.




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