Nephrology is the branch of medical science that deals with the kidney.

IMPORTANT FUNCTIONS OF THE KIDNEY

• Removal of waste products from the blood stream
• Removal of drugs from the blood stream
• Regulation of the body’s fluid levels
• Regulation of blood pressure and volume
• regulation of Vitamin D, Calcium and Phosphorus to promote bone health
• Regulation of red blood cell production

RISK FACTORS FOR KIDNEY DISEASE

• Diabetes
• Hypertension
• Glomerulonephritis (inflammatory diseases of the kidneys)
• Congenital Disease
• Structural Diseases such as polycystic kidney disease
• Kidney Stones

TESTS FOR KIDNEY DISEASE

• Blood pressure measurement
• Urine measurement for protein
• Blood testing for creatinine levels

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF KIDNEY DISEASE

• High Blood pressure
• blood or protein in the urine
• Frequent urination, urination at night
• Swelling

RISK FACTORS FOR KIDNEY DISEASE

• Advancing Age
• Diabetes
• High Blood pressure
• Family history of Kidney Disease
• Ethnicity, (African American, Hispanic American, Asians and Pacific Islander or American Indian)