The Department of Nephrology provides expert care related to kidney health — from diagnosing and managing acute and chronic kidney disease to treating kidney stones, electrolyte disturbances, and hypertension. Our nephrologists are here to help improve overall quality of life for you, and eliminate any uncomfortable symptoms you may have related to kidney function or renal hypertension.

Nephrology consultations, testing and treatments are available for:

Anemia of renal (kidney) disease

Anemia is a common complication found in those with chronic kidney disease (CKD).  It is characterized by a low red blood cell count or lower levels hemoglobin which is the iron-rich protein that helps your red blood cells carry oxygen from your lungs to other areas of the body.  It is particularly prevalent in those with advanced CKD. Patients who have both CKD and diabetes, as well as patients over 60 years of age, are more at risk for developing anemia. Symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breath, weakness, dizziness, headaches, irregular heartbeat, sleep problems and pale skin.

Diabetic kidney disease

Approximately 1 in 3 adults with diabetes develops kidney disease, making diabetes the leading cause of kidney disease. Your kidneys filter waste and water out of your blood, help to control blood pressure and make hormones important to a healthy body. High blood sugar and high blood pressure brought on by diabetes can damage your kidneys. Unfortunately, many patients with diabetic kidney disease (DKD) do no show any symptoms. This makes testing for kidney disease important for those with diabetes.

Hypertension

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, means the force of your blood pushing against the walls of your arteries is too high.  Normal blood pressure is 120/80 or less. Elevated blood pressure is 120-129/80.  In stage 1 hypertension, blood pressure is increased at 130-139/80-89.  Those with stage 2 hypertension have blood pressure levels of 140+/90+.  When blood pressure tops 180/120, a person is in hypertension crisis and needs emergency medical care immediately.  Left untreated, high blood pressure can cause heart attach or stroke.

Kidney disease or kidney failure

Kidney disease indicates kidneys have been damaged and cannot properly filter they blood as intended. There are 5 stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and both diabetes and high blood pressure elevate your risk for developing CKD. Kidney failure, or end-stage kidney disease is the 5th and final stage of CKD. At this point, the damage cannot be reverses and a patient’s life is at risk without intervention, including kidney transplant or dialysis. CKD only progresses to end stage in approximately 2% of patients.  Most can manage their kidney disease with medicine, lifestyle changes and regular check ups.

Kidney stone disorders

Kidney stones are hard deposits of acid salts and minerals that form inside your kidneys.  They can affect men and women, though they tend to be more prevalent in men. They can form in any section of your urinary tract and cause pain when passing through your system, but they don’t typically cause permanent damage.  Excess weight and diet can increase your risk for kidney stones.  Medical conditions that may also increase risk include cystic fibrosis, diabetes, gout, high blood pressure, inflammatory bowel disease, kidney cysts and hypercalciuria which is high levels of calcium in your urine.

Post kidney transplant management

Kidney transplants are performed on patients who are suffering from chronic kidney disease or are in end-stage renal (kidney) failure. End stage kidney disease cannot be reversed. Patients either need dialysis, during which a machine removes waste from your blood in lieu of your kidneys, or a kidney transplant. Transplants may come from deceased or living donors.  Immediate family or friends may qualify and are carefully screened to ensure they are a match. Your nephrologist will work with the surgical team to prepare you for the procedure and manage care afterward.

Renal electrolyte and acid base disorders

Because impaired kidney function prevents excess fluid from being removed from the blood, patients who suffer from kidney disease are at a higher risk for electrolyte disorders. Hyperkalemia (elevated potassium) and hyponatremia (depleted sodium) are two of the most common electrolyte derangements. The kidneys are also important in regulating acid base, making patients more susceptible acid base disorders, including metabolic acidosis, metabolic alkalosis, respiratory acidosis and respiratory alkalosis.

Hemodialysis & peritoneal (in-center and at-home) dialysis services available

When a patient’s kidney ceases to function properly, dialysis is required in order to remove waste products and excess fluids from the bloodstream. Hemodialysis typically takes place in a dialysis center 3-5 days per week.  An access portal is surgically created to connect an artery and a vein. A machine removes the blood from your body, filters it through a dialyzer, which acts as an artificial kidney, then returns the cleaned blood to your body. Peritoneal dialysis takes place at home and utilizes the tiny blood vessels inside the abdominal lining (peritoneum) to filter blood with the aid of a dialysis solution. A surgeon places a catheter in your belly. A cleansing solution passes through the catheter into the peritoneal cavity of the abdomen where it absorbs waste products from the blood vessels (peritoneum) of the abdomen. After a period of time, the fluid is then drawn back out of the body and discarded.

Request an appointment online with a nephrologist at Florida Medical Clinic Orlando Health or call us today at 813.782.3727.

Proudly Serving: North Tampa, Wesley Chapel, and Zephyrhills.