Dr. McDowall sees patients that have various types of primary and secondary kidney problems. These include protein in the urine, blood in the urine, acute kidney injury. He will run diagnostic tests to determine your condition. Incorporating his preventive care approach helps effectively manages these problems.

Healthy kidneys clean your blood by removing excess fluid, minerals and wastes. They also make hormones that keep your bones strong and your blood healthy. When kidneys fail, harmful wastes build up in your body, your blood pressure may rise, and your body may retain excess fluid and not make enough red blood cells. When this happens, you need treatment to replace the work of your failed kidneys.

Dialysis is a procedure that is a substitute for many of the normal duties of the kidneys by performing the functions of failed kidneys. It is a process that cleanses the blood by passing it through a special machine. Dialysis can allow individuals to live productive and useful lives, even though their kidneys no longer work adequately. In the United States, there are over 200,000 people who use dialysis techniques on an

There are two types of dialysis:

hemodialysisPeritoneal dialysis: In peritoneal dialysis the patient’s own body tissues inside of the belly (abdominal cavity) acts as a filter. The intestines lie in the abdominal cavity, the space between the abdominal wall and the spine. A plastic tube called a “dialysis catheter” is placed through the abdominal wall into the abdominal cavity. A special fluid is then flushed into the abdominal cavity and bathes the intestines. The intestinal walls act as a filter between this fluid and the blood stream. By using different types of solutions, waste products and excess water can be removed from the body.

Hemodialysis: In hemodialysis, your blood is allowed to flow, a few ounces at a time, through a special filter in a dialysis machine that removes wastes and extra fluids. The clean blood is then returned to your body. Removing the harmful wastes and extra salt and fluids helps control your blood pressure and keep the proper balance of chemicals like potassium and sodium in your body.

Dr. McDowall treats various kidney disorders like acid-base disorders, electrolyte disorders, uncontrolled high blood pressure, nephrolithiasis (kidney stones), acute kidney disease, chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease.Dr. McDowall will run diagnostic tests including blood and urine tests and kidney ultrasound on site to determine your condition and the appropriate treatment.

Don’t hesitate to discuss any aspect of your health. We can advise and consult with you on your nutrition, level of activity, and other things that can have an effect on your blood pressure, and kidneys.