Online Nephrologist Consultation

Nephrology

Nephrology is the branch of Medicine that deals with conditions that affect the kidney. Our kidneys filter fluids and waste from blood which are then removed through urine. Kidneys are also responsible for maintaining normal fluid and electrolyte balance and mineral ratios in the body.

Who is a Nephrologist?

Doctors that diagnose, manage and treat kidney diseases including kidney failure are called nephrologists. Nephrologists treat both acute and chronic kidney diseases along with issues like high blood pressure, fluid retention, and electrolyte and mineral imbalances. These renal health experts also take care of kidney dialysis treatment including, hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis, and patients undergoing or post kidney transplant.

Pediatric nephrologists specialize in treating kidney conditions in children.

Diseases affecting the kidneys

Millions of people suffer from kidney diseases all over the world. Causes of kidney diseases include underlying chronic health conditions like heart ailments, diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity. Also, kidney diseases can lead to high blood pressure and heart conditions.

Chronic kidney disease or chronic kidney failure is the continuous weakening of your kidney function. Severe chronic kidney disease may lead to alarming levels of fluid, electrolytes and wastes in your body. Signs of early stage chronic kidney disease are mild and often go unnoticed. It is only when the condition reaches an advanced stage that signs become visible. Here are some of the common symptoms of chronic kidney disease at its advanced stage -

• Weight loss and loss of appetite
• Headaches
• Swollen ankles, feet or hands (oedema)
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Reduced urination
• Itchy skin
• Muscle cramps

Treatment for chronic kidney disease aims at slowing down the kidney damage process by addressing the underlying causes. However, in some cases, in spite of the controlling method the kidney damage may progress at an alarming rate and eventually reach the end-stage kidney failure. In such cases artificial filtering called dialysis or a kidney transplant may be needed.

What conditions do Nephrologists treat?

Nephrologists manage

• All stages of kidney failure
• Cystic kidney disease
• Nephrotic syndrome
• End-stage renal disease
• Hemolytic uremic syndrome
• Kidney infections
• Electrolyte disorders like Hyponatremia
• Glomerulonephritis
• Fluid and electrolyte disorders and acid-base disorders
• Tubulointerstitial diseases

What types of tests and procedures does a nephrologist perform?

Common tests and procedures recommended by nephrologists are -

• Imaging tests like CT scans and ultrasounds
• Kidney function tests including blood test and urine test

When should I see a nephrologist?

You should see a nephrologist if you have symptoms of kidney disease like -

Family history of kidney disease - If any of your biological family members has a kidney condition, you should consider seeing a nephrologist to prevent kidney diseases or treat them at an early stage.

Diabetes puts you at a higher risk of kidney failure as the condition may potentially damage the kidney.

You are also at a higher risk of kidney damage if you have high blood pressure. Your blood vessels may become less elastic if you have high blood pressure. This affects the blood and oxygen flow to the kidneys and can cause kidney failure.

In case you notice any change in your urine habits like frequent or lesser urge for urinating or dark colored frothy urine, be careful. It may be a symptom of a kidney condition.

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms consult your general physician. Your doctor may refer you to a nephrologist. You can also consult a nephrologist online or in-person on DocGenie for any kidney related issue. Doctors working with DocGenie can also help you develop a management plan to optimize your kidney function.