Kidney disease can also develop from infection, inflammation of blood vessels in the kidneys, kidney stones and cysts. While life sustaining, this artificial blood-filtering process is strenuous, expensive, and comes with severe dietary and lifestyle restrictions. Approximately 35,000 Americans are on waiting lists to receive a kidney transplant. The ASN urges Americans to give more thought to kidney health. If any of these symptoms develop, see a physician right away and ask to be referred to a nephrologist.
Nephrology is the medical subspecialty concerned with kidneys.
Treatment of ESRD and other kidney diseases is complex, so if you or someone close to you has kidney disease, be sure to consult a qualified nephrologist as early as possible. Studies show that your chances of surviving kidney failure are best if you are under the care of a nephrology specialist.