Kidney and Urinary Care

People with established kidney disease may require specific fluid, salt, protein, or medication recommendations from their healthcare team.

When Should You Seek Urgent Medical Care?

Certain symptoms require prompt medical attention. Seek medical care if you experience:

• Severe or persistent flank pain
• Fever with urinary symptoms
• Difficulty or inability to pass urine
• Visible blood in the urine
• Sudden reduction in urine output
• Severe swelling
• Persistent vomiting with kidney-related symptoms
• Sudden deterioration in general health

A blocked urinary system combined with infection can be particularly serious and requires urgent evaluation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a urologist and a nephrologist?

A urologist treats structural and surgical conditions of the urinary system, including kidney stones, urinary obstruction, prostate conditions, and certain urinary cancers. A nephrologist primarily treats medical kidney diseases, reduced kidney function, dialysis, and kidney transplantation care.

What is the best treatment for kidney disease?

There is no single treatment for all kidney diseases. Treatment depends on the underlying cause and stage. Some conditions can be managed with medicines and lifestyle changes, while others may require procedures, dialysis, or transplantation.

Can kidney stones damage the kidneys?

Large, recurrent, or obstructing kidney stones can affect urinary drainage and may contribute to kidney damage if left untreated. Prompt assessment is important when stones cause severe pain, obstruction, infection, or reduced kidney function.