Nephrology is a subspecialty of medicine that focuses on treating diseases that affect the kidneys. As you already know, there are two kidneys located on either side of your spine, below the ribcage.

They perform several important functions, such as eliminating wastes and fluid from the body and maintaining your body’s fluid balance, and managing blood pressure. Nephrologists are specialists trained to diagnose and treat kidney problems and manage the effects of kidney dysfunction on other parts of the body.

If your doctor suspects kidney diseases or infections, S/he may refer you to a nephrologist. In this blog, we will discuss the role of a nephrologist and the conditions they treat.

Who is a Nephrologist?

Nephrologists are specialists who manage and treat diseases that affect the kidneys. You may be referred to a nephrologist by your family doctor or primary care physician if they feel your kidneys need medical attention. These specialists will determine the root cause and devise a plan to slow or stop the progression.

Here are some of the few conditions treated by nephrologists:

1. Kidney disease occurs when your kidneys are damaged over time and are unable to remove waste and excess fluid from the body. Symptoms may not be visible until the disease has advanced. However, if detected early, medication or lifestyle changes can help you prevent more damage.

2. Kidney Failure, also known as renal failure, is a medical condition in which the kidneys fail to adequately filter waste products from the blood. For this, your nephrologist may recommend dialysis (a procedure in which blood is diverted to a machine to remove waste products and excess fluid).

3. Kidney damage by cancer. Cancer that spread to the kidneys can block urine flow, cause a toxins buildup, or lead to sudden kidney failure. Several types of cancers can be linked to kidney problems:

• Multiple Myeloma
• Bladder Cancer
• Cervical Cancer
• Colon Cancer
• Prostate Cancer

Your nephrologist may be able to help you manage and reduce the damage caused by cancer spreading to the kidneys.

4. Nephrotic Syndrome is a kidney disorder that causes the body to excrete too much protein in the urine. This can be identified by swelling in various parts of the body.

5. Polycystic Renal Disease is a genetic disorder in which clusters of cysts develop within the kidneys, leading to high blood pressure and kidney failure. It can cause discomfort in the back or sides, a larger belly, and blood in the urine.

6. Diabetic Kidney Disorder is a kidney disease that results from diabetes. It is the number one cause of kidney failure. Poorly controlled blood sugar causes damage to blood vessels in your kidneys that filter waste from the blood. This leads to kidney damage and causes high blood pressure.

7. Pyelonephritis is a type of Urinary Tract Infection that spreads to the kidneys. It can cause frequent, painful urination, pain in the back or groin, and high-grade fever. If left unattended, this infection can become life-threatening. Hence, it is important to seek medical care quickly if you experience any symptoms of this infection.

When to see a nephrologist

Your family physician can refer you to a nephrologist if you have any of these conditions:

• Large amounts of protein or blood in your urine
• Recurrent kidney stones
• Uncontrolled blood pressure or blood sugar (Diabetes)
• Inherited kidney disease
• Kidney damage from cancer

Nephrologists treat a wide range of kidney disorders like chronic kidney disease, kidney infections, or kidney failure. Your primary care physician will likely refer you to a nephrologist when you have a complicated or severe kidney condition. Remember to discuss any concerns about your kidneys with your family doctor and request a referral, if required.

We at Gujarat Superspeciality Hospital are dedicated and experienced in treating kidney-related disorders and are committed to providing patients with the best services and quality care. If you or someone you know is experiencing any kidney-related problems, consult with specialist nephrologists in Vadodara at Gujarat Superspeciality Hospital from Monday to Sunday from 9.00 AM to 7.00 PM.