Kidney disease can develop quietly, often without obvious symptoms until the later stages. Conditions such as chronic kidney disease (CKD), acute kidney injury, and other kidney problems may progress silently, making early detection essential.
Knowing the red flags for kidney problems and understanding when you should see a nephrologist can help prevent serious complications and long-term kidney function decline.
It is common to feel unsure about which specialist to consult for kidney-related concerns. Here is an overview of the conditions treated by nephrologists and urologists and the differences between them.
A nephrologist is a kidney specialist who focuses on diagnosing and treating medical kidney conditions, including CKD, kidney function decline, high creatinine levels, electrolyte disorders, and kidney problems related to diabetes and high blood pressure.
A urologist, on the other hand, is a physician and surgeon who manages structural and surgical conditions of the urinary system, such as kidney stones, urinary obstruction, tumours, and disorders of the bladder, ureters, urethra, and reproductive organs.
In many cases, patients may be co-managed by both specialists depending on whether the problem is medical or surgical in nature.
You should consider seeing a nephrologist if you notice any of the following kidney disease symptoms or warning signs :
Changes in your urine: Foamy urine, darker colour, blood in urine, or changes in how often you urinate.
Brain fog or poor concentration: This may occur in more advanced kidney disease when waste products accumulate in the blood.
Underlying conditions: Diabetes or high blood pressure significantly increase the risk of kidney disease.
Prolonged elevated creatinine levels: May indicate reduced kidney function
Family history of kidney disease: Increases your risk of developing CKD
These are important signs you need a nephrologist even if you otherwise feel well, as kidney problems can be silent in the early stages.
At your first visit, the nephrologist will assess your kidney health through a detailed medical history, physical examination, and laboratory testing.
Tests that indicate kidney disease commonly include:
Blood tests (creatinine, estimated glomerular filtration rate or eGFR)
Urine tests (albumin, protein, sediment analysis)
Imaging studies when necessary
These evaluations help determine the severity of disease and guide appropriate treatment.
Kidney disease often causes little or no pain and is commonly mistaken for musculoskeletal back pain when discomfort does occur. As kidney function declines, more serious symptoms may appear.
Seek emergency care immediately if you experience:
Persistent vomiting
Severe nausea or loss of appetite
Extreme fatigue or weakness
Shortness of breath
Uncontrolled high blood pressure
Worsening confusion or reduced mental clarity
These symptoms may indicate severe kidney disease or dangerous complications, especially when they occur together or worsen rapidly.
CKD is a progressive condition. Early referral to a nephrologist allows treatment to begin before significant kidney damage occurs. Timely care can slow disease progression, reduce complications, improve quality of life, and lower the risk of end-stage kidney failure.
Delayed specialist care is associated with poorer outcomes, higher healthcare costs, and increased mortality.
If you notice kidney health warning signs, elevated creatinine, or have risk factors such as diabetes or high blood pressure, early evaluation is essential.
At Prince Court Medical Centre, our experienced nephrologists (kidney specialists) provide comprehensive kidney screening, early detection, and personalised management for kidney disease and related conditions.
Book an appointment today to protect your kidney health.
Reviewed by Dr Wan Mohd Rasis Wan Ahmad Kamil
Be the first in line to receive the latest updates and promotions, delivered directly to your inbox.
Please enter a valid email
Thank you for subscribing!
Please verify that you are not a robot.
