What is Nephrology?
Nephrology is a branch of internal medicine concerned with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of kidney and urinary tract diseases. The most common kidney and urinary tract diseases include chronic kidney disease or chronic reduced kidney function, kidney stones, acute kidney failure, and urinary tract infections.
Kidney diseases are common, can be dangerous, and initially present without specific complaints, so it’s important to recognize them in time and start treatment promptly. They most often arise as a result of long-term diabetes, heart and blood vessel diseases, obstructions, and infections of the urinary tract.
What conditions does a nephrologist treat?
Nephrologists specialize in treating various conditions related to the kidneys and their function. Here are a few key conditions addressed by nephrology:
Diabetic kidney disease – Diabetes can significantly damage kidney function, so early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for preventing kidney diseases.
Renal hypertension – High blood pressure can be both a cause and a consequence of kidney diseases.
Kidney failure – A condition where the kidney loses its ability to process blood and remove waste.
Kidney cysts and polycystic kidney disease – Cysts are small fluid-filled sacs that can form on the kidneys.
Kidney stones – Calcium structures that form in the kidney and can cause intense pain.
Nephrotic syndrome – Includes proteinuria, hypoproteinemia with hypoalbuminemia, hyperlipidemia, and edema.
Hemolytic-uremic syndrome – A sudden drop in blood cells and cessation of kidney function, often occurs in newborns and children.
Kidney infections – Most commonly caused by the Escherichia coli bacterium.
Hyponatremia and other electrolyte disorders – Low levels of sodium in the blood and other electrolyte imbalances.
Nephrologists provide treatment for many other kidney function disorders including controlling high blood pressure, treating polycystic kidney diseases, and offering support and treatment for patients requiring dialysis or those who have undergone kidney transplantation. Besides specific conditions, a nephrologist can assist in early diagnosis and treatment to prevent further kidney damage, especially in patients with chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease who have an increased risk of kidney disease.
Common tests and procedures in nephrology
There are several common tests and diagnostic procedures used in nephrology to assess kidney function and identify potential problems.
– Urine analysis is a basic test that can reveal the presence of protein, blood, white and red blood cells, high sugar levels, bacteria, and other substances in the urine.
– Blood tests include measuring serum creatinine and urea, which can help assess kidney function. The estimation of the glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) is used to evaluate the degree of kidney function.
– Tests to assess kidney damage are done from the blood, and the most common are ANCA, ANA, and anti-GBM antibodies.
– Kidney ultrasound allows for the visualization of the kidneys, including their size, shape, and the presence of any abnormalities such as stones or tumors.
– Kidney biopsy is a procedure where a small amount of kidney tissue is removed and analyzed under a microscope. It is used to diagnose specific types of kidney diseases.
– CT scanning and MRI are advanced imaging techniques that can provide more detailed images of the kidneys and surrounding structures, aiding in the identification of abnormalities that may not be clearly visible on ultrasound.
– Tests to assess the presence and degree of hypertension are important because high blood pressure is common in kidney disease, so monitoring blood pressure is important in diagnosing kidney diseases.
– Measuring the amount and quality of urine over 24 hours helps determine how well the kidneys are filtering waste materials.
– Each of these diagnostic methods plays a role in detecting and managing kidney diseases, and the choice of specific tests depends on the individual case and symptoms of the patient.
Treatment of kidney diseases
The treatment of kidney diseases can vary depending on the type and stage of the disease, as well as the overall health condition of the patient. Each treatment should be tailored to the individual needs of the patient, and it is important for the patient to follow the instructions and recommendations of their doctor closely.
Lifestyle changes
Proper nutrition involves reducing salt and protein intake, which can help preserve kidney function. Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce the risk or slow the progression of kidney disease. Regular exercise can improve overall health and reduce blood pressure. Quitting smoking is important because smoking can worsen kidney disease.
Medications
The most common medications provided as therapy include drugs for high blood pressure and diuretics that help eliminate excess fluid from the body. There are also medications to control blood sugar for patients with diabetes because controlling blood sugar levels is key to preventing or slowing kidney damage. Special medications are given for the treatment of anemia that can arise from chronic kidney disease, as well as for electrolyte imbalance disorders.
Advanced therapies
Dialysis is a procedure that removes waste materials and excess fluid from the blood when the kidney can no longer perform these functions. Hemodialysis uses a machine and a special filter to clean the blood. Peritoneal dialysis uses the inner lining of the abdomen as a filter to remove waste from the blood.
Kidney transplantation is the replacement of a diseased kidney with a healthy kidney from a donor.
The difference between a urologist and a nephrologist
A urologist and a nephrologist are specialists who deal with different aspects of the health related to the urinary system and kidneys, but they have different focus areas and training.
A urologist is a surgical specialist who deals with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the urinary system in men and women, as well as the reproductive system in men. Urologists treat a wide range of conditions such as urinary tract infections, kidney stones, enlarged prostate, urological cancers, male infertility, and erectile dysfunction. Urologists are qualified to perform surgical procedures.
A nephrologist is an internist who specialized in diagnosing and non-surgically treating kidney diseases. Nephrologists manage conditions such as chronic kidney disease, acute kidney injury, glomerulonephritis, electrolyte disorders, and hypertension related to kidney diseases. They also monitor patients on dialysis. Nephrology is more focused on the medical (non-surgical) treatment of kidney diseases.
When should you visit a nephrologist?
Visiting a specialist for kidney diseases may be necessary for various reasons. Generally, you can seek help from a nephrologist if you have:
– Chronic diseases that affect the kidneys such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or autoimmune diseases
– A family history of kidney diseases, especially chronic kidney disease (CKD) or polycystic kidney disease
– Frequent urinary infections, especially if they are severe or recurring
– The presence of blood or protein traces in the urine
– High levels of creatinine or other markers in the blood that indicate reduced kidney function
– Difficulty controlling blood pressure
– Edema or swelling, especially around the eyes, legs, or ankles, which can be a sign that the kidneys are not properly removing excess fluid from the body.
If you notice any of these symptoms or if your general practitioner recommends it, visiting a nephrologist is the first step towards assessing your health condition. At the Puls Dedinje department for rapid diagnostics, we are committed to your health and well-being. Early detection is key to effective treatment and maintaining good health.
