Take charge of your kidney health

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Take charge of your kidney health

Your kidneys play an essential role in your overall health. They filter waste from your blood, regulate blood pressure, support red blood cell production and perform many other vital functions. When your kidneys aren’t working properly, it can affect your whole body and make it hard to feel your best.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is common — 1 in 7 adults in the U.S. are affected. Conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes and even genetic factors can all increase your risk.

Our kidney specialists (also known as nephrologists) provide advanced care to protect your kidney health and manage existing kidney-related conditions.

What kidney conditions do nephrologists treat?

Nephrologists focus on diagnosing and treating kidney diseases and related conditions. Our kidney specialists are highly trained in treating and managing a wide range of kidney conditions, including:

• Chronic kidney disease
• Diabetes-related kidney complications
• Dialysis management
• Electrolyte disorders
• End-stage kidney disease
• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Inherited kidney diseases, like polycystic kidney disease
• Kidney cancer
• Kidney failure
• Kidney infections
• Kidney stones
• Proteinuria and hematuria (blood or protein in urine)
• Renal vascular disease

Symptoms of kidney conditions

Many kidney conditions develop without noticeable symptoms, especially in the early stages.  Monitoring your blood pressure and blood sugar levels can help detect issues early and alert you when to see a nephrologist.

Talk to your doctor if you notice:

• Changes in urination, including frequency, pain, blood or difficulty urinating
• Chest pain due to fluid buildup around the heart
• Dry, itchy skin
• Fatigue
• High blood sugar
• High blood pressure
• Nausea, vomiting or a metallic taste in your mouth
• Difficulty concentrating
• Shortness of breath
• Swelling in ankles and/or feet
• Back pain

Even without symptoms, regular checkups are important if you have risk factors for kidney disease.

Kidney treatment options

Our kidney specialists are here to help you manage your health every step of the way. Your provider will work closely with you to develop a treatment plan based on your condition, overall health and personal goals. Some kidney conditions can be managed with medication and lifestyle changes.

Dialysis at Mount Nittany Health

If your kidneys need extra support, our nephrology team offers two types of dialysis:

• In-hospital hemodialysis, available at Mount Nittany Medical Center, keeps you close to your care team with 24/7 monitoring during treatment. The dialysis unit features large windows with natural light, remote telemetry capabilities and a state-of-the-art water filtration system for added care.
• Home-based peritoneal dialysis gives you the freedom to manage your treatment in the comfort and convenience of your own home.

Our nephrology team can also provide kidney transplant support.