What a nephrologist treats and when it is worth going to him

Who is a nephrologist

A nephrologist Nephrology Specialty Description is a physician who specializes in the treatment and prevention of kidney disease. However, his work is not limited to this body alone.

To understand what a nephrologist does, you need to remember what functions of Your Kidneys & How They Work are performed by the kidneys in the body. Here they are.

Removing excess fluid and water-soluble substances (including toxins such as the breakdown products of alcohol or drugs) from the blood.
The production of urine, which is necessary for the elimination of unnecessary substances from the body.
Maintaining acid-base balance in blood plasma and electrolyte balance General information about electrolytes (the so-called minerals dissolved in a liquid, such as sodium and potassium, which are necessary for the correct transmission of nerve signals and proper muscle function).
The production of substances that affect blood pressure levels.

Any failure in the functioning of the kidneys can lead to the fact that the entire body begins to malfunction. Therefore, nephrologists also deal with those diseases that can lead to renal impairment.

What does a nephrologist treat?

A nephrologist will help with such disorders What Is Nephrology and What Does a Nephrologist Do?:

serious kidney inflammation caused by various reasons. For example, bacterial or fungal inflammation - pyelonephritis;
chronic kidney disease. She is also chronic renal failure. This is the name of Chronic kidney disease - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic - a condition in which the kidneys begin to work worse and worse, and a dangerous amount of fluid and toxins gradually accumulates in the body;
swelling, if it is associated with kidney disease;
high blood pressure, if there is reason to believe that it is associated with impaired renal function;
glomerulonephritis Glomerulonephritis - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic. This is an inflammation of the tiny filtering elements in the kidneys - the so-called glomeruli - that can lead to kidney failure. Glomerulonephritis occurs both independently and as a complication of other diseases, such as lupus or diabetes;
nephrotic syndrome Nephrotic syndrome. This is a glomerular disorder. It can be caused by various reasons, including taking certain medications;
hematuria;
proteinuria;
stenosis (narrowing) of the renal artery;
acute renal failure. This is when the kidneys fail suddenly;
stones in the kidneys;
kidney cancer.

If the disease concerns the kidneys, but requires surgery (for example, we are talking about a large stone or tumor), the nephrologist will send you to the urologist.

When to see a nephrologist

This doctor is a narrow specialist, so a referral to him is usually issued by a therapist (for example, if he has not been able to cure you of pyelonephritis) or doctors dealing with chronic diseases. So, you can be sent for a consultation with a nephrologist if you are being observed about:

hypertension;
diabetes mellitus;
diseases of the cardiovascular system;
autoimmune diseases - the same systemic lupus erythematosus.

Also, indications for a visit to a nephrologist are an increased level of protein in the urine, blood during urination, taking certain medications that can have a toxic effect on the kidneys. And bad heredity - if someone close to you suffered from kidney disease and you assume that this may affect you too.

What to expect from a visit to a nephrologist

The doctor will ask you about your symptoms, lifestyle, and medical conditions. Then he will inspect. And, most likely, he will offer you to do some tests. They are needed to clarify the diagnosis. It can be:

blood tests - general and biochemical. They can help identify inflammation and clarify the level of electrolytes and other substances associated with kidney health;
Analysis of urine. It helps to identify blood, protein, glucose, bacteria, and other elements that may indicate impaired renal function;
Ultrasound, computed tomography or x-ray of the kidneys;
kidney biopsy.

When the diagnosis is made, the doctor will prescribe treatment. It depends on the condition of the kidneys and what kind of disease was found. For example, if you have pyelonephritis, you will be prescribed antibiotics. For stones, medications or procedures are usually recommended that can destroy them and remove them.

When it comes to kidney failure, the nephrologist will prescribe and perform dialysis dialysis. This is a procedure in which the patient's blood is cleansed of toxins and excess fluid using a special apparatus (artificial kidney).

When you are healthy again, your nephrologist will tell you what to do to keep your kidneys from giving you trouble.