Nephrologists are doctors who specialize in the management and therapy of kidney diseases. They are also known as kidney specialists. Nephrologists also undergo specialized training in how to treat the consequences of renal disease on the remaining of the body's organs and systems.
Whenever a doctor believes that a patient is displaying indicators of renal problems, like kidney disease or infections, the doctor may send the patient to a nephrologist.
Not only are nephrologists experts in diseases that affect the kidneys specifically, but they're also well-versed in the ways in which kidney disease or failure can impact other regions of your body as well.
Although the primary care physician will work with you to prevent and cure kidney disease in its early stages, a nephrologist might well be required to assist with the diagnosis and treatment of more serious or complex kidney problems or diseases.
Consultation with a nephrologist that specializes in renal problems is often necessary for a variety of reasons, some of which are listed below.
Ans. A nephrologist is a medical professional who specializes in treating kidney-related problems and diseases. They are trained to treat other issues closely associated with kidney health like high blood pressure, fluid retention, electrolyte, and mineral imbalances. A nephrologist can carry out diagnostic tests and treat your renal health issues accordingly.
Ans. If someone is suffering from chronic kidney disease, kidney failure, kidney infections, or stone issues, then he/she should seek help from a specialist like a nephrologist as soon as possible. In complex or advanced kidney conditions, it is better to pay a visit to a nephrologist otherwise your conditions may worsen, and you may suffer from severe issues like kidney failure.
Ans. There are a variety of tests a nephrologist may recommend such as Urine analysis, Glomerular Filtration Rate, Ultrasound scanning, CT Scans, MR angiography, Renal biopsy, Intravenous urography, Scintigraphy, and Renal Arteriography to get to know about your kidney health condition and what’s the root cause. Along with that, nephrologists usually recommend blood tests as well to check for minerals and substances in your blood that may have been the root cause.
Ans. Most of the time, nephrologists prefer less invasive treatment methods like using medications to treat kidney diseases and problems. However, you may get a recommendation by your nephrologist to get treatment methods like Sustained Low-Efficiency Hemodialysis, Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy, Permacath Insertion, Acute Peritoneal Dialysis, Plasma Exchange/ Plasmapheresis, etc.
Ans. Usually, nephrologists don’t perform invasive treatment methods like surgery, they prefer to use medications to treat kidney diseases. If there are any surgery requirements in cases like big kidney stones, kidney cancer, or anything like that, then the patient is referred to another specialist doctor/physician known as a urologist.