Who Are Nephrologists?
Nephrologists are the ones specialized in the study of kidneys. They deal with almost every condition that is related to kidneys. Nephrology also is a branch of internal medicine. The doctors complete an additional two years of residency in internal medicine to become a nephrologist. They help both, children and adults. A nephrologist that treats children specifically is known as a pediatric nephrologist.
Common Conditions That Nephrologists Treat
Some of the most common conditions nephrologists treat are:
- Chronic kidney disease
- Polycystic kidney disease (PKD)
- Acute renal failure
- Cancer of the kidneys
- Kidney stones
When To See A Nephrologist
Nephrologists deal with almost every problem which upsets your kidneys. In other words, called renal problems. There are many symptoms of kidney disease and if you’re experiencing even one of the mentioned, you need to see a nephrologist.
- A metallic taste in the mouth
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- No longer wanting to eat meat
- Difficulty concentrating
- Itchiness
- Swelling in the face, feet or hands
- Shortness of breath
- Feeling cold all the time
Some of the health issues can damage your kidneys straight away. Issues like diabetes and high blood pressure can damage our kidneys and put you at risk for chronic kidney disease.
Many patients suffer from chronic kidney disease which has destroyed their kidneys over time. This happens if you keep ignoring the symptoms and it ends up disabling your kidneys. Once you start experiencing some symptoms, the first thing you should do is to get yourself checked by a nephrologist. A nephrologist will determine what stage of kidney disease you are in and will plan your treatment accordingly. Also, your nephrologist will refer you to other specialists who will assist in your treatment, such as renal dietitians and renal nurses.
The last stage of kidney disease is stage 5. It is when the kidneys are so damaged that you end up on dialysis. On this stage specifically, doctors recommend a kidney transplant. We have some of the best nephrologists dealing with a kidney transplant. A nephrologist helps you determine what type of dialysis is best suited for your condition.
It Is Either;
- Peritoneal Dialysis (PD): Peritoneal dialysis is a treatment that makes use of the lining of your abdomen, known as peritoneum. It uses a cleaning solution called dialysate to clean your blood. Dialysate is used to absorb the waste and fluids from your blood, using your peritoneum as a filter.
- Hemodialysis: There are three different renal therapies and hemodialysis is one of three renal replacement therapies. It separates blood from other toxins of the body.
What To Ask Your Nephrologist
A nephrologist is the right person from whom you can ask all the questions related to your kidney. He will answer questions about your specific condition and the treatment that is required according to it. You should share all your medical history with your doctor so he can diagnose your issue better. He’ll then be able to determine whether you need a simple treatment, dialysis or a kidney transplant. If you feel there is no improvement after the medication you have been referred, you need to talk to your nephrologist first. This should be in his knowledge if you are feeling tired and ill.
If you have other health conditions that can impact your kidneys, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, you can ask your nephrologist about ways to manage these conditions. Your nephrologist will work with your other doctors to help you manage these conditions so that you can stay as healthy as possible.
It’s important to consult your nephrologist before you leave or try to use over-the-counter medicines, herbal remedies or dietary supplements.
Doctors sometimes ask you to keep your lifestyle active and healthy. You can ask him to recommend any type of activity which can keep you active. If you’d like to start an exercise plan, stop smoking or make other lifestyle changes, ask your nephrologist for guidance. If you are having trouble with restless leg syndrome, skin problems or sexual performance issues, your nephrologist may be able to help you with these conditions, as they can be a result of kidney disease.
What Is The Difference Between Nephrology And Urology?
Nephrology
Nephrology is totally related to kidneys and is also a subspecialty of internal medicine. Nephrology’s main focus is to diagnose and manage diseases that affect your kidneys function. There are many kinds of these diseases, many of them are related to hypertension, or high blood pressure.
Urology
There are a few conditions that nephrologists and urologist both a treat, but there are some specific ones that urologists treat. Urologists have their main focus on treating anatomical or structural problems of the urinary tract and its related organs. Areas that urologists treat includes:
- Urethra
- Bladder
- Ureters
- Kidneys
- Adrenal glands
- Penis
- Testes
- Prostate
- Seminal vesicles
In addition, urology is a surgical specialty whereas nephrology is a non-surgical specialty.
If you are suffering from any of the symptoms or conditions above, you need to see a specialist.
Are you looking for a nephrologist or a urologist? We have some of the best nephrologists and urologists on board. Do you still have a question? call at Marham‘s helpline 03111222398 or book an online consultation with us.
