Fresno Nephrologists Offering Kidney Care Services
Our board-certified nephrologists specialize in treating and managing patients
diagnosed with kidney conditions, from kidney stones to chronic kidney
diseases. Most of our patients come to us referred from their primary
care doctor or another specialist who has diagnosed a kidney condition
that is best treated by a nephrologist. These physicians have extensive
training in how the kidneys ought to function, and apart from kidney failure,
many other kidney-related concerns lead patients to seek out nephrological
care. Some of the other conditions nephrologists treat are injuries, stones,
infections of the kidneys.
How Are the Kidneys Supposed to Work?
Across the globe, many people deal with kidney and bladder conditions that
interfere with their kidneys’ ability to function as they should.
In a healthy person, the kidneys sort through the waste products the body
produces, balance the body's chemicals (such as electrolytes, minerals,
and other fluids), and remove urine and transfer it to the bladder.
Any of the following symptoms may indicate a kidney problem or disease:
Unexplained nausea and vomiting
Difficulty passing urine
Kidney pain in the flank area
Insomnia with fatigue
A “metallic” taste in the mouth
Muscle aches and twitches
Swollen feet and ankles
Constant itchy
Shortness of breath
Should I See a Nephrologist?
If you’ve noticed any of these symptoms, it may or may not be a kidney
problem, so go to your primary care doctor first if you are in doubt.
If there is a likely kidney problem, your PCP will refer you to a nephrologist,
a physician who is a kidney specialist. Kidney conditions are usually
progressive and can lead to kidney failure if not treated promptly.
Once the kidneys have lost their functional abilities, it becomes a chronic
(lifelong) disease. As the bodily fluids and wastes continue to build
up and cause serious health problems, it can cause kidney failure, and
by that point, the only treatment is daily dialysis or a kidney transplant,
if you are eligible and find a suitable donor.
Am I at Risk for Kidney Disease?
People with diabetes must be cautious with their kidney health, as type
2 diabetics with uncontrolled blood sugar frequently coincide with chronic
kidney disease or kidney failure. Some of the other associated diseases
also put you at risk too. They include HIV/AIDS, autoimmune disorders,
all types of hepatitis, frequent urinary tract infections, and hypo- or
hypertension (blood pressure fluctuations).
To make an appointment with a nephrologist in Fresno, please contact Clinica
Sierra Vista at
661-635-3050.
We are here to help, no matter your ability to pay for medical treatment.
