What is Nephrology?
Nephrology is a branch of medicine that focuses on the study, diagnosis, and treatment of kidney diseases and disorders related to kidney function. The word comes from Greek — “nephros” means kidney, and “-logy” means study.
Role of Kidneys:
The kidneys are vital organs that perform several essential functions:
- Filter waste and toxins from the blood
- Balance fluids and electrolytes (like sodium, potassium)
- Control blood pressure by regulating hormones
- Produce hormones that stimulate red blood cell production
- Maintain acid-base balance in the body
What Does a Nephrologist Do?
A nephrologist is a doctor who specializes in kidney care. They diagnose and treat conditions such as:
- Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): gradual loss of kidney function over time
- Acute Kidney Injury (AKI): sudden loss of kidney function
- Kidney stones: solid deposits that form inside the kidneys
- Glomerulonephritis: inflammation of kidney filters
- Electrolyte imbalances: problems with minerals like potassium or calcium
- Hypertension (high blood pressure): especially when related to kidney issues
- Nephrotic Syndrome: kidney disorder causing excess protein in urine
- Dialysis management: treatment for severe kidney failure when kidneys can’t filter blood properly
Diagnostic Tools in Nephrology:
- Blood tests: to check kidney function (creatinine, BUN)
- Urine tests: to detect abnormalities like protein or blood in urine
- Imaging: ultrasounds, CT scans to look at kidney size and structure
- Kidney biopsy: small tissue sample to study under microscope
Treatment:
Treatment depends on the condition but can include:
- Medications to control blood pressure, reduce inflammation, or manage symptoms
- Lifestyle changes such as diet modification and fluid management
- Dialysis (hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis) when kidneys fail
- Kidney transplant in severe cases