A nephrologist (kidney specialist) treats kidney disease and conditions like the following: high blood pressure (hypertension), swelling (edema), diabetes, kidney stones, glomerulonephritis, renal failure, urinary tract obstruction, or cancer of the kidneys. Jonathan Pankow, M.D., is a kidney specialist in Houston, Texas. He can help treat various conditions, including:

Kidney Stones

Kidney stones are solid masses that form inside the kidneys. They are usually the result of crystallized minerals in urine that stick together to form a stone. Kidney stones can vary in size, shape, and color. If kidney stones stay inside the kidney long enough, they can damage your kidney by causing bleeding or shutting down your kidney function if they are too large. They can also be present in your urine without causing any symptoms. Kidney stones are most common in men under the age of 30 and older than 50, but there are many causes for kidney stones. There is a 10% chance of developing a kidney stone between the ages of 30 and 40 and a 20% chance after the age of 50. Most patients with kidney stones will pass them on their own, but surgery may be necessary to remove them if they do not.

Vasculitis

Vasculitis is a group of diseases that create inflammation in the blood vessels. The inflammation reduces blood flow through those vessels or blocks it entirely, which can lead to severe problems as parts of your body lose the oxygen and nutrients they need for good health. Vasculitis may be caused by many different things, including viruses, autoimmune disorders, bacterial infections, and fungi. There are also inherited disorders that cause vasculitis to develop. The most common form of vasculitis is giant cell arteritis, affecting blood vessels in the head and upper neck. Treatment often involves corticosteroid medications to reduce inflammation and other medicines to control symptoms, including pain medication.

Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism occurs when your thyroid gland produces too much of the thyroid hormone resulting in symptoms such as weight loss despite increased appetite, fever, diarrhea, rapid heart rate, and high blood pressure. Hyperthyroidism is common in women, especially after menopause. Treatment of hyperthyroidism may include medications such as beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, and methimazole that reduce thyroid hormone levels. Radioactive iodine is also used to treat hyperthyroidism and is especially effective in treating Graves disease because it kills cells that make antibodies attacking the thyroid glands.

Bone and Mineral Problems

Bone and mineral problems include osteoporosis, Paget’s disease of bone, osteomalacia, and osteopenia. Bone diseases make it difficult for the body to repair itself. In osteoporosis, bones become brittle and break even with a minor injury or fall. Osteomalacia is a different problem where bones do not correctly harden and become soft. This disorder affects the bones of more than two million Americans. Osteoporosis occurs predominantly in women, but men can develop it as well. Treatments involve medications that reduce calcium loss from bone or prevent further bone loss, lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of falling, medications that increase bone strength, and hormone treatments for women.

A kidney specialist can help with many diseases and conditions of the kidneys and urinary tract. Seeing one is essential if you are experiencing symptoms associated with the above conditions.