South Texas Kidney Specialists P.A.

South Texas Kidney Specialists P.A. Welcome to South Texas Kidney Specialists, P.A., where we provide medical services for patients need South Texas Kidney Specialists, P.A. today at 956-631-6136.

We offer a comprehensive approach to all our treatments, and we are dedicated to offering you the best medical services possible. has worked with patients in McAllen and surrounding areas since 1991. Our practitioners have the knowledge and experience to give you the medical attention you deserve. We accept most insurance plans, Medicare and Medicaid. To learn more about our doctors or to schedule an appointment, call South Texas Kidney Specialists, P.A.

Urine tests play a crucial role in assessing overall health by measuring specific substances like electrolytes, proteins...
03/29/2024

Urine tests play a crucial role in assessing overall health by measuring specific substances like electrolytes, proteins, and bacteria present in the urine. These tests provide valuable insights into bodily functions, revealing any abnormalities or fluctuations outside normal ranges. By analyzing urine composition, doctors can identify potential issues related to kidney, liver, pancreas, or heart function. Additionally, characteristics such as color, odor, and clarity offer additional clues about kidney health and potential infections, while a detailed analysis of urine substances can indicate the functioning of various organ systems.

The balance of electrolytes and minerals in the body is essential for proper physiological functioning, with different substances serving distinct roles in various bodily systems. While these minerals are necessary for normal bodily functions, imbalances can lead to adverse symptoms. Urinalysis, a fundamental urine test, assesses the concentrations of different substances, aiding doctors in gauging overall bodily function and pinpointing potential causes of symptoms. By interpreting urine test results, healthcare professionals can gain valuable insights into a patient's health status and determine appropriate interventions if necessary.

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Urine analysis can provide useful information about your health. Learn what kinds of things urine tests check for, plus normal and abnormal ranges and what they might indicate.

Overflow incontinence manifests when the bladder fails to completely empty during urination, resulting in subsequent lea...
03/09/2024

Overflow incontinence manifests when the bladder fails to completely empty during urination, resulting in subsequent leakage as the bladder becomes overly full. This condition, colloquially known as dribbling, may occur with or without the sensation of needing to urinate beforehand. Despite the prevalence of urinary incontinence among older adults, with nearly half of Americans aged 65 and above experiencing it, overflow incontinence is more frequently observed in men than in women. The primary cause of this type of incontinence is chronic urinary retention, characterized by difficulty initiating and fully emptying the bladder, often leading to frequent urination.

Seeking medical guidance is crucial for individuals grappling with overflow incontinence, as various treatment options can be explored to effectively manage symptoms. While finding the most suitable treatment method may involve some trial and error, it is possible to minimize symptoms and maintain daily activities with proper management strategies tailored to individual needs. Collaborating with healthcare professionals can facilitate the identification of appropriate interventions, ensuring optimal symptom management and enhancing overall quality of life for those affected by overflow incontinence.

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Overflow incontinence occurs when your bladder doesn't completely empty when you urinate. Learn why this happens and how it's managed.

Urinary incontinence, characterized by the loss of bladder control, varies in severity from complete bladder emptying to...
02/10/2024

Urinary incontinence, characterized by the loss of bladder control, varies in severity from complete bladder emptying to minor leakage and can be temporary or chronic. Millions of adults in the United States are affected by this condition, with women more commonly affected than men in a 2-to-1 ratio. While aging often contributes to weakened bladder muscles, various health issues can also lead to urinary incontinence, ranging from mild to severe symptoms and potentially indicating underlying medical conditions like cancer, kidney stones, infection, or an enlarged prostate.

Seeking medical evaluation is essential for proper diagnosis and treatment, as urinary incontinence can significantly disrupt daily life and may signal more serious health concerns. Healthcare professionals can assess potential causes, ranging from weakened bladder muscles due to aging or physical damage to neurological conditions, infections, pregnancy, obesity, diabetes, or menopause, offering appropriate interventions based on the underlying cause and severity of symptoms. While some causes of urinary incontinence are easily treatable and transient, others may require more intensive and persistent management.

If you want to know about the causes and treatments of Urinary Incontinence, click on the link below!

Urinary incontinence happens when you lose control of your bladder. Discover potential causes, treatments, prevention tips, and more.

Gallstones and kidney stones, though both characterized as "stones," originate in different organs and manifest distinct...
01/05/2024

Gallstones and kidney stones, though both characterized as "stones," originate in different organs and manifest distinctively. Gallstones are formed in the gallbladder from hardened deposits of digestive fluid. Varying in size from small as a grain of rice to as large as a golf ball, gallstones are linked to overall digestive health and liver function. While gallstones may not always exhibit symptoms, they can cause severe pain and infections, necessitating treatment that could involve dietary adjustments, medication, or, in more severe cases, gallbladder removal surgery.

In contrast, kidney stones form in the kidneys due to the crystallization of chemicals in the urine, often influenced by factors like diet and hydration. The clumping of these crystals can result in the formation of hard kidney stones. Unlike gallstones, kidney stones can be intensely painful, and treatment approaches may include medication, surgical intervention, or, in some cases, spontaneous passage. It's crucial to recognize the differences between these two conditions, as their causes, symptoms, and treatments diverge, emphasizing the importance of accurate diagnosis and tailored medical interventions for each.

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Gallstones and kidney stones have similarities and differences. Both types of stones can be very painful and may need surgery. Both can pass painlessly.

Collagen, a protein present in various connective tissues in the body, is also found in protein-rich foods and is common...
12/19/2023

Collagen, a protein present in various connective tissues in the body, is also found in protein-rich foods and is commonly used in supplement form for purposes like enhancing skin elasticity and relieving joint pain. However, concerns have been raised about the potential impact of collagen on kidney health due to the amino acid hydroxyproline found in them. Hydroxyproline can be converted into oxalate, potentially leading to increased oxalate excretion in urine. Studies have shown a rise in urinary oxalate excretion, raising questions about its implications for kidney health.

The impact of the collagen found in regular dietary sources or supplements in normal amounts remains unclear. Generally, collagen supplements are not recommended for those at high risk of kidney stones. However, moderate consumption of collagen as part of a balanced diet is considered unlikely to cause kidney stones for most people. Studies indicate that adjusting calcium intake and ensuring adequate hydration may be more effective strategies to reduce oxalate absorption and protect against kidney stone formation.

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Collagen is found throughout your body's connective tissue, including your bones, skin, and ligaments. This article looks at whether collagen supplements can cause kidney stones.

The use of cranberry juice for treating kidney stones is a debated topic with mixed research, primarily from older studi...
11/28/2023

The use of cranberry juice for treating kidney stones is a debated topic with mixed research, primarily from older studies. Cranberry juice, rich in oxalates, may increase the risk of calcium oxalate kidney stones, especially in those already prone to kidney stones. Some studies suggest it could reduce urinary citric acid excretion, contributing to stone development, while others find no impact. Cranberry juice might lower urine pH, increasing the risk of calcium oxalate and uric acid stones, as indicated by recent research that found an elevated relative supersaturation risk (RSR). However, it decreased RSR scores for less common stones like brush*te and struvite.

Given the varied causes of kidney stones, individuals should consult healthcare professionals for personalized advice, considering their specific conditions and risks.

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People say that cranberry juice is good for kidney stones, but does the research back the claim? This article reviews whether cranberry juice is good for kidney stones, according to science.

Uremia, a clinical disorder marked by fluid, electrolyte, and hormone imbalances as well as metabolic abnormalities, is ...
10/28/2023

Uremia, a clinical disorder marked by fluid, electrolyte, and hormone imbalances as well as metabolic abnormalities, is related with decreasing renal function. Uremia literally means "urine in the blood," and it most usually occurs in the context of chronic and end-stage renal disease (ESRD), although it can also happen as a result of acute kidney damage.

Glomerular Filtration Rate or creatinine clearance anomalies are used to diagnose renal failure. Dialysis should be started as soon as possible in a patient with symptomatic uremia (e.g., nausea, vomiting, hyperkalemia, metabolic acidosis) that is not curable by conventional methods, regardless of the patient's Glomerular Filtration Rate.

Uremia occurs when your kidneys become damaged. The toxins, or bodily waste, that your kidneys normally send out in your urine end up in your bloodstream instead. These toxins are known as creatinine and urea.Uremia is a serious condition and, if untreated, can be life-threatening. Uremia is a major...

A kidney biopsy is a procedure in which a small bit of kidney tissue is extracted and examined under a microscope. Renal...
10/17/2023

A kidney biopsy is a procedure in which a small bit of kidney tissue is extracted and examined under a microscope. Renal biopsies are divided into two categories: targeted biopsies (TB) and non-targeted biopsies (NTB). To distinguish the pathogenic nature of a mass lesion, clinicians may do targeted biopsies. Non-targeted biopsies, on the other hand, are used to sample a random area of the renal cortex in order to diagnose a systemic disease or the kidney's physiologic reaction to a previous treatment (e.g., transplant kidney dysfunction, renal failure after medication administration).

To avoid the dangers, pain, and expense of a kidney biopsy, noninvasive laboratory and diagnostic imaging procedures should be tried first. After the procedure, there is a considerable risk of infection. However, this is a rare occurrence.

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The test helps your doctor identify the type of kidney disease you have, how severe it is, and the best treatment for it.

Do you need support?Whether you are a kidney transplant patient, suffer from a kidney disease or planning to donate a ki...
10/13/2023

Do you need support?

Whether you are a kidney transplant patient, suffer from a kidney disease or planning to donate a kidney, you're not alone! Talk to someone who’s been there.

NKF PEERS is a peer mentoring program, where kidney patients are connected via phone with trained mentors who have been there themselves. You just need to fill in a brief form and they will match you with the right person to talk with you, based on your personal situation. All confidential through a toll-free phone system, one-on-one.

Interested in this program? click the link below for more information.

NKF PEERS is a peer mentoring program, where kidney patients are connected via phone with trained mentors who have been there themselves. Peer mentors can share their experiences with dialysis, transplant, or living kidney donation with you. 

Renal cell carcinoma or kidney cancer is the most common kind of kidney cancer found in adults. RCC occurs when cancer c...
09/23/2023

Renal cell carcinoma or kidney cancer is the most common kind of kidney cancer found in adults. RCC occurs when cancer cells start growing uncontrollably in the lining of the tubules of the kidney. It often spreads to the lungs and surrounding organs. Scientists still don’t know the exact cause of RCC.

As the disease progresses, symptoms may include a lump in the abdomen, blood in the urine and unexplained weight loss. If RCC is suspected, your doctor will order a number of tests like complete blood count, CT scan, urine tests , biopsy and abdominal/kidney ultrasounds. Treatment will vary in each patient.

Read more about RCC clicking the link below!

Renal cell carcinoma, or RCC, is also called hypernephroma, adenocarcinoma of renal cells, or renal or kidney cancer. Learn the causes, symptoms, and diagnosis of RCC.

Renal function testing is crucial in the treatment of patients with kidney disease or diseases that impact renal functio...
09/04/2023

Renal function testing is crucial in the treatment of patients with kidney disease or diseases that impact renal function. These tests are useful for detecting renal disease, evaluating the kidneys' response to treatment, and determining the development of renal illness. Obtaining an estimate of the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and checking for proteinuria are the most feasible techniques to assess renal function in the clinic (albuminuria).

Renal function tests are used to diagnose renal disease, select suitable patient therapy, and avoid further renal function deterioration. Patients must be warned of ionizing radiation they may be exposed to during GFR measurement using radioactive isotopes. Any woman of childbearing age must be free of pregnancy before this test can be performed. Before these examinations, patients should be urged to maintain their normal fluid intake.

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Kidney function tests are simple blood and urine tests that can help identify problems with your kidneys. The kidneys filter waste materials from the blood.

Address

McAllen, TX

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 5:30pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 5:30pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 5:30pm
Thursday 8:30am - 5:30pm
Friday 8:30am - 5pm

Telephone

(956) 631-6136

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