What is a Nephrologist?
Comprehensive Guide to Kidney Care with Nephrologists
Nephrologists are doctors who are specialised in treating kidney-related problems. You must visit a nephrologist if you are suffering from any kidney disease. During the appointments, a nephrologist will examine medical histories, order tests, and treat the condition properly.
Definition
A Nephrologist is a doctor who specialises in kidney-related diseases. Kidneys are vital organs of the urinary system. Pediatric nephrologists specialise in kidney care and treatment in newborns, children, and young adults.
What Does a Nephrologist Do?
A nephrologist diagnoses and treats kidney conditions and kidney failures. In addition, they recognise how kidney conditions affect other parts of the body. These include:
● Cardiovascular diseases
● Hypertension
● Autoimmune diseases
What is Transplant Nephrology?
Nephrologists specialising in transplant nephrology conduct kidney and pancreas transplantation surgeries for their patients. They also help treat any persistent kidney damage that can lead to serious medical complications.
What is Interventional Nephrology?
Interventional nephrology specialises in treating and maintaining access to blood vessels for dialysis processes. Moreover, interventional nephrologists are specialised in performing kidney biopsies.
They acquire training in the following areas:
● Placing or removing catheters
● Placing stents
● Removing blood clots
● Performing fistulograms (to check any presence of fistula in kidneys)
● Performing Kidney biopsies
What are the Common Conditions that a Nephrologist Treats?
The most common conditions that a nephrologist may treat include:
● Kidney failure
● High blood pressure
● Diabetic kidney problems
● Cystic kidney disease
● Kidney stones
● Nephritic syndromes
● End-stage Renal Disease
● Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome
● Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
● Kidney infections
● Hyponatremia
● Glomerulonephritis
● Toxic overdoses that require dialysis
What Types of Tests and Procedures Does a Nephrologist Perform?
The standard tests and procedures performed by nephrologists include:
● Imaging Tests: Kidney imaging tests include X-rays, CT Scans, and Ultrasounds.
● Kidney Function Tests: Kidney function tests determine how well the kidneys are working. They are done using blood and urine tests.
● Dialysis: If the kidneys are not working properly, a machine that filters out waste products and excess fluids performs dialysis.
● Kidney Biopsy: Nephrologists sometimes take small samples of the kidney to check the current condition of the kidney.
● Kidney Transplant Care: During a kidney transplant, the surgeon inserts a healthy kidney from a donor to revert to normal function. They will work with the transplantation procedures and help in permanent recovery.
When Should You Visit a Nephrologist?
It is recommended to visit a nephrologist if you have any symptoms of kidney disease, including:
● Family History of Kidney Disease: If anyone in the family or relative has kidney disease, you may be at a greater risk of kidney disease. Nephrologists can treat kidney disease or can prevent it at an early stage.
● Diabetes: Diabetes can damage the kidneys. Hence, a diabetic patient is at higher risk of kidney failure.
● High Blood Pressure: High blood pressure can influence kidney damage. Kidneys use blood vessels to help filter waste and excess fluids from the body. High blood pressure can make the blood vessels less elastic, reducing blood and oxygen flow to the kidneys. Reduced blood and oxygen flow can cause kidney failure.
● Brain Fog: Brain fog may be a symptom of kidney disease. It is not a medical condition, but healthcare providers may mention it to describe slow or impaired thinking.
● Going Frequently to the Toilet: Frequent toilet trips may indicate a kidney condition. Dark-coloured or frothy urine can be a positive sign of kidney-related diseases.
Urinary diseases, if left untreated, can cause kidney damage. Thus, it is crucial to consult a nephrologist to treat them with proper medication.
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