Dr. Reena P. Samuel M.D.
Nephrologist (Kidney Specialist) | Nephrology
1711 27th St Braulin Bldg, Suite Portsmouth OH, 45662Rating
5/5
About
Dr. Reena Samuel is a nephrologist practicing in Portsmouth, OH. Dr. Samuel specializes in the care and treatment of the kidneys. As a nephrologist, Dr. Samuel most typically treats conditions like kidney stones, chronic kidney disease, acute renal failure, polycystuc kidney disease, high blood pressure and more. Nephrologists are also experts on kidney transplantation and dialysis. They are usually referred to by primary care physicians for problems related to the kidneys, and while they can perform tests to diagnose kidney disorders, they do not perform surgeries.
Education and Training
MD at T. D. Medical College
Alappuzha
T.D. Med Coll, Univ of Kerala, Aleppey, Kerala, India MD
Medical College Thiruvananthapuram 1990
Board Certification
American Board of Internal Medicine- Internal Medicine
Nephrology; Board Certified in Clinical Hypertension
Internal MedicineAmerican Board of Internal MedicineABIM
Provider Details
Dr. Reena P. Samuel M.D.'s Expert Contributions
What are the precautions to take after a kidney transplant?
Your transplant team will educate you very well regarding this. Most important factor is you should follow up with your transplant team regularly and follow their advice. ”Adherence with medication is very important.” READ MORE
Is there a way to substitute dialysis with any medication?
No medication can substitute for dialysis. If the left kidney alone has a problem, then usually we don’t put them on dialysis. If you were told regarding dialysis, that means both kidneys are not functioning well. READ MORE
Can Toradol cause renal failure in a kidney disease patient?
It can. Any Nonsteroidals can cause worsening renal function. Please check the renal function and see how it is. In the future, try not to take these medicines. READ MORE
I am suddenly having a lot of swelling in my feet. Could it be a kidney issue?
Leg swelling, especially in both legs, can be from kidney disease. Also, likely to rule out heart or liver disease. (Proteinuria, that is loss of protein in the urine. can result in leg swelling.) Also, kidney not functioning well can cause salt and water retention and edema. Usually, these are not associated with pain. Hope this will help you. READ MORE
Can kidney disease cause extreme bloating?
Maybe. Acid reflux is a common upper hi disorder in patients with chronic kidney disease. Also, if she is diabetic, she can have diabetic gastroparesis. Also, depending on the co morbid condition and stage of kidney disease, she can have fluid overload and bloated feeling. Hope this will help you. READ MORE
How is hyperkalemia treated?
First of all, what is her reason for hyperkalemia, like medications, kidney disease, etc.? Is it a chronic condition or just one time? Some meds can cause hyperkalemia. Her doctor has to go through her meds. Also, pain meds like aleve, ibuprofen, nroxen (NSAIDS) can cause hyperkalemia. She should be on a low-potassium diet and she may need a dietary consult for Hyperkalemia can be dangerous depending on the level. There are medications available to treat hyperkalemia. Depending on the etiology, low dose lasix may help also. Also, try to avoid constipation, too. READ MORE
Does a healthy person need to check creatinine levels?
You need have a baseline value. If not on any meds/no change in health habits, you don’t need regular Cr level check-ups. May be better to monitor with your yearly exam. READ MORE
Is loss of appetite a sign of a kidney disorder?
May be. Bloating can be from different reasons. Just do a simple blood work (checking creatinine) and you can find it out READ MORE
Is kidney stone removal surgery painful?
There are different ways of stone removal. I am not sure which one you are going to have. Usually, you will be sedated during the procedure. You should talk to your doctor about what kind of procedure you are going to have: Eswl, ureteroscopy, percutaneous lithotripsy/lithotomy, open surgery. etc. READ MORE
Does my dad have to be on Dytor all his life?
Most likely yes. Again, it depends on the cause of the water retention. But your father can try a low-salt diet, fluid restriction, etc. READ MORE
My first USG showed a calculi of 2 cms and the next showed nothing. Is it possible?
No. Usually, a stone greater than 8mm in diameter is unlikely to be passed. I think one of your ultrasound readings is wrong. READ MORE
Is fatigue and extreme tiredness sign of kidney failure?
Yes, it can be. Make sure his hemoglobin is not too low. READ MORE
Can natural medicines help in treating kidney disorders?
There is no natural medicine to treat kidney disease. In turn, sometimes it can be harmful. Try to be on a low-salt diet. Also, avoid processed food, especially processed meat, medicines which are not good to kidneys like ibuprofen, naproxen, aleve etc. Control blood pressure, blood sugar, lipids, etc. READ MORE
Can low sodium affect my kidneys?
If the initial dehydration resulted in acute kidney injury, there is some risk for chronic kidney disease. An isolated incidence of low sodium will not cause kidney injury. READ MORE
My brother has been diagnosed with amyloidosis. What is the usual course of treatment?
There are mainly 2 kinds of amyloidosis, AL and AA amyloidosis. Treatment depends on the cause of the abnormal protein production, known as amyloid fibrils In AL amylodosis, therapy is aimed at the underlying plasma cell dyscrasias. In AA amyloidosis, therapy is aimed at the underlying inflammatory or infectious etiology. As your brother is very young, I’m not sure whether he has amyloidosis secondary to Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF). Your brother needs further studies including tissue biopsy. Hope this will help you. READ MORE
What factors can cause nephrotic syndrome?
Nephrotic syndrome is usually 3 or more g of protein in 24 hours, urine associated with edema, hypoalbuminemia (low albumin in blood), and also high cholesterol levels. It can be from systemic diseases affecting kidneys or from some form of kidney disease itself. Most common systemic disease-causing nephrotic syndrome are: diabetes, hepatitis B, hep C, lupus, HIV, amyloidosis, etc. Your doctor will be doing blood work and a urine test and, if needed, will be doing a kidney biopsy for the diagnosis. Hope this will help you. Thanks. READ MORE
Do kidney disorders cause irritability and mood swings?
Uremic encephalopathy can cause irritation, lethargy, disorientation, etc. Usually that happens when the kidney function is very low. Please check with her doctor and see what her renal function is (check bun and creatinine). Thanks. READ MORE
What is the affect of hypertension on kidneys?
Hypertension can be a causative factor (hypertensive nephroscletodis) or a contributory factor in chronic kidney disease. In addition to the level of blood pressure, other individual factors are involved. As an example, black patients have an approximate eight fold elevation in the risk of hypertension-induced end-stage renal disease. This high risk may persist even with good bp control. Also, it is advisable to look for other reasons for hypertension like polycystic kidney disease, as there are kidney problems in the family also. Please check with her physician. Hope this will help you. READ MORE
What causes electrolyte disorders?
I am not sure about what kind of electrolyte disorders your sister is having. Treatment and prevention depends on the kind of electrolyte imbalance. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, poor po intake, alcohol intake, excessive water intake, liver disease, kidney disease, thyroid problem, adrenal problem, medications, over-the-counter supplements, etc., can cause electrolyte abnormalities. Severe hypercalcemia causes kidney injury by different mechanisms. Prolonged low potassium can cause a concentrating defect in the kidney and polyuria. Hope this will help you. READ MORE
Left side abdominal pain
Usually, kidney stone ‘renal colic’ has a similar picture. Pain can be severe and may be associated with some blood in the urine, too. Or it can be a musculoskeletal soon, too. If pain persists, please seek medical advice, and you may need imaging studies. Thanks. READ MORE
Areas of expertise and specialization
Faculty Titles & Positions
- Clinical Professor, Ohio University -
Awards
- Selected as Top American Physician for 15 Years Since 2001
Internships
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Fellowships
- Lenox Hill Hospital, 1995
Professional Society Memberships
- American Society of Nephrology, Ohio State Medical Association, American Society of Hypertension
Articles and Publications
- Published in the past
What do you attribute your success to?
- Hard work and she always wanted to become a doctor in order to help others.
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Nearest Hospitals
KINGS DAUGHTERS MEDICAL CENTER OHIOl
1901 ARGONNE ROAD PORTSMOUTH OH 45662OUR LADY OF BELLEFONTE HOSPITALl
1000 SAINT CHRISTOPHER DRIVE ASHLAND KY 41101