Nephrology
1. What is Nephrology?
– Nephrology is the branch of medicine that specialises in the study and management of diseases related to the kidneys. It is more than just a medical discipline; it is the science of understanding kidney physiology, diagnosing kidney problems and providing effective treatments. Nephrologists, experts in nephrology, not only focus on treating kidney diseases, but also play a crucial role in prevention and patient education to maintain kidney health.
2. Renal pathologies:
– Nephrology addresses a wide range of nephrological conditions, including:
– Acute Renal Failure: A sudden decrease in kidney function, often caused by circulatory problems, kidney injury or blockage of urinary flow.
– CKD: A long-term, progressive decline in kidney function, usually associated with diseases such as diabetes or hypertension.
– Nephritis: Inflammation of kidney tissue, which may be caused by infections, autoimmune disorders or other conditions.
– Polycystic Kidney Disease: A genetic disorder that causes cysts to grow in the kidneys, affecting their function.
– Renal Lithiasis (Kidney Stones): Formation of solid crystals in the kidneys, known as kidney stones, which can cause pain and affect urinary flow.
– Glomerulonephritis: Inflammation of the glomeruli, the filtering units of the kidney, which may be due to infection or autoimmune problems.
– Nephrotic syndrome: A condition characterised by excessive loss of protein through the urine, accompanied by swelling and low levels of protein in the blood.
– Inherited Kidney Diseases: Include conditions such as autosomal dominant or recessive polycystic kidney disease, which are passed down through families and affect kidney structure.
3. Nephrological Treatments:
– Nephrologists employ a wide range of therapeutic approaches to address kidney diseases. They prescribe specific medications designed to protect kidney function and control blood pressure. They also provide more advanced options, such as dialysis, which involves the removal of waste products and excess fluids from the body, as well as kidney transplantation, an intervention that may offer a lasting solution for certain patients.
