Nephrologists at Summit Health are experts in diagnosing and treating kidney disease and hypertension. Summit Health provides hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. When it is necessary, our physicians refer patients for kidney transplantation.
Some conditions that can cause kidney failure include hypertension, diabetes, polycystic kidney disease, and glomerulonephritis.
Because of the complex role of the kidneys in your overall health, we recommend that you consult your primary physician (internist or pediatrician) if you are experiencing health problems or have a condition that might affect your kidneys.
Conditions Requiring a Nephrologist
Our nephrologists diagnose and treat:
- Acute and chronic renal failure
- Blood or protein in the urine
- Chronic kidney disease
- Kidney function that declines over time
- Electrolyte imbalances
- Kidney stones
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
Common Types Of Kidney Disease
Acute kidney (renal) failure occurs when the kidneys stop working correctly. This kidney disease also is called acute renal failure or acute renal insufficiency.
Located on each side of the spine above the waist, kidneys filter waste products from your blood, control the balance of salt and water in your body, help regulate your blood pressure, and produce urine as a way to rid your body of the waste products. As long as at least one kidney is working, it will do the job of both kidneys.
Kidney Failure
In kidney failure, the kidneys no longer make urine to rid the body of wastes and keep a healthy balance of chemicals such as sodium and potassium. People who have kidney failure must undergo kidney dialysis to stay healthy.
Kidney Dialysis
Kidney dialysis is a mechanical way to remove waste products from the body and clean the blood. Dialysis also removes extra water from the body, which helps control blood pressure. Dialysis helps ensure a proper balance of chemicals such as potassium, sodium, and calcium.
Kidney Stones
Kidney stones are solid pieces of material that form in the kidney from substances in the urine. Kidney stones can occur in any part of the urinary system, from the kidney to the bladder to the urethra. The stones may be small or large. There can be one stone or many stones. Kidney stones are most common in middle-aged people. They are 3 times more common in men than women. People who have had kidney stones tend to have them again.
Kidneys And High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure from kidney disease and poor blood flow to the kidneys is known as renovascular hypertension. High blood pressure from kidney disease affects fewer people than blood pressure from other causes (essential hypertension).
