What is Nephrology?
Nephrology is a specialty of internal medicine that focuses on the treatment of diseases that affect the kidneys.
You have two kidneys. They’re located below your ribcage on either side of your spine. The kidneys have several vital functions, including:
- removing waste and excess fluid from the blood
- maintaining your body’s electrolyte balance
- releasing hormones with functions such as managing blood pressure
.
Conditions a nephrologist treats
Nephrologists can work with you to help diagnose and treat the following conditions:
- blood or protein in urine
- chronic kidney disease
- kidney stones, although a urologist may also treat this
- kidney infections
- kidney swelling due to glomerulonephritis or interstitial nephritis
- kidney cancer
- polycystic kidney disease
- hemolytic uremic syndrome
- renal artery stenosis
- nephrotic syndrome
- end-stage kidney disease
- kidney failure, both acute and chronic
A nephrologist can also be involved when other factors cause kidney disease or dysfunction, including:
- high blood pressure
- diabetes
- heart disease
- autoimmune conditions, such as lupus
- medications
What is Urosurgery?
In the time of the ancient Egyptians and Greeks, doctors frequently examined urine’s color, odor, and texture. They also looked for bubbles, blood, and other signs of disease.
Today, an entire field of medicine focuses on the health of the urinary system. It’s called urology. Here’s a look at what urologists do and when you should consider seeing one of these specialists.
Conditions a nephrologist treats
Nephrologists can work with you to help diagnose and treat the following conditions:
- blood or protein in urine
- chronic kidney disease
- kidney stones, although a urologist may also treat this
- kidney infections
- kidney swelling due to glomerulonephritis or interstitial nephritis
- kidney cancer
- polycystic kidney disease
- hemolytic uremic syndrome
- renal artery stenosis
- nephrotic syndrome
- end-stage kidney disease
- kidney failure, both acute and chronic
A nephrologist can also be involved when other factors cause kidney disease or dysfunction, including:
- high blood pressure
- diabetes
- heart disease
- autoimmune conditions, such as lupus
- medications