What is Nephrology?
Nephrology is the branch of medicine that concentrates on the
study, functions and diseases of the kidney. The word nephrology is originated
from the Greek word nephros, meaning kidney. There are many medical conditions
that affect the functioning of the kidney. As kidney disorders cause severe
damage to the entire body, referral to a nephrologist is very important; a
specialist trained to prevent and manage the health problems of kidney
patients.
Kidney disorders are mainly caused due to congenital defects,
by disease or by the changing life style. In nephrology, the specialists
identify and treat kidney diseases and other related disorders such as renal
failure, lupus nephritis, kidney stones, urinary tract infections, hematuria,
glomerulonephritis, diabetic kidney disorder, pyelonephritis, electrolyte
disorders, amyloidosis, nephrotic syndrome, hypertension, renal insufficiency,
pyelonephritis, and polycystic kidney disorder.
Patients with kidney disorders need to undergo a broad
diagnostic evaluation including laboratory tests, renal biopsy, ultrasound
scanning, CT (computed tomography) scanning, scintigraphy, and angiography. A
variety of specialized tests are performed on patients with hepatitis B,
hepatitis C, amyloidosis, multiple myeloma, and other systematic diseases that
lead to kidney failure.
For most of the kidney disorders, treatments are available.
Steroids, antihypertensive, DMARDs (disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs)
etc. are some medications given to patients with kidney disorders. When a
person experiences kidney failure, three treatment options such as
hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and kidney transplantation are available.
Decreased mental status, pericarditis, increased potassium levels, fluid
overload, and lack of urine production, etc. are some symptoms or signs that
require dialysis treatment.
Pediatric nephrology is
a subspecialization in nephrology. A pediatric nephrologist provides care and
management for children who have chronic kidney problems. Dietitians also play
a major role in the field of nephrology.
