The field of medicine is vast, and many sub-disciplines cater to specific areas of the human anatomy. One such sub-discipline is nephrology, which deals with diagnosing and treating diseases related to the kidneys.
A healthy pair of kidneys is vital for proper bodily function, so it’s essential to have a basic understanding of the diseases under nephrology.
Let’s talk about nephrology and outline the common diseases nephrologists diagnose and treat.
Nephrology: An Overview
The human body is a complex, intricate system, and at its core are the kidneys, two small bean-shaped organs that perform the crucial task of filtering our blood and removing waste, excess water, and electrolytes.
The medical field that focuses on the study, diagnosis, and treatment of kidney-related conditions is known as nephrology. Nephrology comes from the Greek word nephros, meaning kidney, and logia, meaning study.
A nephrologist is a medical doctor specializing in diagnosing and treating kidney conditions. They have comprehensive knowledge about how kidney conditions can impact other body parts, including cardiovascular health and blood pressure.
Common Diseases That Nephrology Specialists Treat
Here are some common diseases that nephrologists diagnose and treat regularly.
Kidney Stones
One of the primary reasons that people seek out nephrology care is kidney stones, which are formed when minerals and salt crystallize in the urine.
Kidney stones can vary in size; some are as small as a grain of sand, while others can grow as large as a golf ball. Kidney stones can form in one or both kidneys and travel down the urinary tract, affecting the ureters, bladder, and urethra.
Kidney stones can cause a variety of symptoms, such as intense pain, nausea, vomiting, and a burning sensation while urinating. A nephrologist will diagnose the stones through imaging tests and may recommend medication, lifestyle changes, or surgery to remove them.
Chronic Kidney Disease
This type of kidney disease is characterized by gradual loss of kidney function over time.
Chronic kidney disease is divided into five stages based on the eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate) test results. Stage 1 is the mildest form with normal or high GFR (greater than 90 mL/min). Stage 5, also known as end-stage kidney disease, is the most severe form, where the kidneys have lost nearly all their ability to function effectively.
Symptoms of chronic kidney disease can take a long time to develop and may range from fatigue to swelling and shortness of breath. While there is no cure for chronic kidney disease, a nephrologist can help manage the condition through medication, dialysis, or a kidney transplant.
Glomerulonephritis
Glomerulonephritis is a group of diseases that injure the part of the kidney that filters blood, known as glomeruli. When these tiny filtering units are damaged, it can lead to serious health issues such as kidney failure.
The condition can be caused by a variety of factors, including various infections and immune system disorders. Symptoms typically include blood in the urine, swelling, and fatigue. Treatment usually involves medication and management of underlying conditions.
Nephrotic Syndrome
Nephrotic Syndrome is a condition of excessive protein leakage through the urine caused by kidney damage. The syndrome can lead to a variety of complications, such as blood clots and high cholesterol levels, and may also cause swelling in various parts of the body.
The signs and symptoms of nephrotic syndrome include:
- Severe swelling (edema), particularly around the eyes and in the ankles and feet
- Foamy urine, which may be caused by excess protein in the urine
- Weight gain due to excess fluid retention
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Poor growth in children
- Feeling sick
A nephrologist will perform tests to confirm the diagnosis and may prescribe medications to alleviate symptoms or treat the underlying cause.
Kidney Infections (Pyelonephritis)
Kidney infections are a type of urinary tract infection that begins in the urethra or bladder and travels up to the kidneys. This can cause the kidneys to swell and may lead to permanent damage.
Symptoms of pyelonephritis can include:
- High fever
- Back, side, or groin pain
- Frequent urination
- Strong, persistent urge to urinate
- Burning sensation or pain during urination
- Pus or blood in your urine (hematuria)
- Urine that smells bad or is cloudy
If not treated promptly, kidney infections can cause permanent kidney damage or spread to the bloodstream and cause a life-threatening infection.
Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD)
PKD is a genetic disorder that causes clusters of cysts to grow in the kidneys. These cysts may enlarge and lead to kidney damage or failure.
Some common symptoms include pain in the abdomen, back, or sides, high blood pressure, and frequent urination. There is no cure for PKD, and treatment focuses on managing symptoms and preventing complications.
Hypertension
The kidneys are closely tied to the circulatory system, which uses many blood vessels to perform waste-filtering tasks. Hypertension, a high blood pressure level in the body, can damage these blood vessels, depriving the nephrons (the functional units of the kidneys) of the oxygen and nutrients needed to function well.
Over time, this can cause the arteries around the kidneys to narrow, harden, or weaken, leading to kidney failure.
Treatment for hypertension usually involves lifestyle changes and medication. Recommended lifestyle modifications may include:
- Reducing salt intake
- Eating a heart-healthy diet
- Getting regular physical activity
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Losing weight if overweight
- Limiting alcohol intake
Electrolyte Disorders
Electrolytes are essential minerals, such as sodium, calcium, and potassium, that your body needs for proper functioning. They help balance water levels, regulate chemical reactions, support proper hydration, energy production, muscle contraction (including your heart’s ability), blood pressure, and much more.
However, patients with impaired kidney function are particularly susceptible to electrolyte disorders because their kidneys can no longer filter and remove excess fluid from the blood.
The most common electrolyte imbalances associated with poor kidney function are hyperkalemia (too much potassium in your blood) and hyponatremia (too little sodium in your blood).
Nephrologists, or kidney care specialists, have the specialized training and experience needed to diagnose and treat electrolyte disorders.
Nephrologist Near Me in Brockton & Taunton, MA
If you think you have any of the aforementioned diseases, visit us here at Associates in Nephrology for thorough evaluation and personalized treatment. Our nephrologist regularly diagnoses and treats diseases and conditions affecting kidneys and related organs through surgical and nonsurgical treatments.
To schedule a consultation with one of our providers, call us today at (508) 587-0700 or fill out our secure online appointment request form.
We look forward to serving you!
