What is nephrology?
Nephrology is a medical specialty concerned with kidney function and the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of kidney disease. Located at the bottom of the spine, the two kidneys, the body’s purification centres, filter the blood by eliminating waste and evacuating excess water and mineral salts (sodium, potassium, etc.) through the urine. The kidneys also produce hormones that are essential to the body. Their role is therefore vital. When they no longer function efficiently – known as kidney failure – it may be necessary to for the work of cleaning the kidneys to be carried out by a machine (dialysis) or to consider a kidney transplant.
When to see a nephrologist
After visiting their GP , patients are advised to consult a nephrologist for any condition affecting the kidneys, including:
- Renal colic,
- Persistent kidney pain,
- Presence of blood (haematuria) or protein (proteinuria) in the urine, chronic renal failure (CKD) Etc.
In collaboration with other specialists as appropriate (intensive care units, cardiologists , diabetologists, etc.), the nephrologist will treat these diseases. Relying on tests to make a more precise diagnosis, the nephrologist will prescribe drugs, recommend an appropriate diet and monitor dialysis or transplant patients. Elsan clinics boast first-rate nephrology and dialysis centres (haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis), which combine medical competence with patient support, including dietary support – essential in the event of CKD.
Which tests are performed by a kidney specialist?
After carefully interviewing the patient, the nephrologist carries out rigorous clinical testing, before prescribing – or performing – additional examinations, including:
- Urinalysis
- Renal check-up
- Cystography
- Scanner
- Renal scintigraphy
- Ultrasound scans
- Renal biopsy
- Angiography Etc.
