Nephrology

Nephrology is a medical specialty focused on the diagnosis and treatment of diseases that affect the kidneys. It covers a wide range of conditions that impact kidney function, both acute and chronic. The kidneys play a critical role in filtering waste from the body, regulating fluid and electrolyte balance, managing blood pressure, and producing essential hormones.

Kidney Function

Each kidney contains about one million filtering units called nephrons. These structures filter waste and excess substances from the blood, which are then excreted through urine. The kidneys also regulate blood pressure by managing sodium and water levels and releasing hormones such as renin and erythropoietin.

Common Kidney Conditions

Nephrologists manage a variety of kidney-related conditions, including:

• Chronic kidney disease (CKD): A gradual loss of kidney function over time, often due to chronic conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure. If left unmanaged, CKD may progress to kidney failure.
• Acute kidney injury (AKI): A sudden decline in kidney function, often caused by severe infection, dehydration, or certain medications. Early detection and treatment can lead to full recovery.
• Glomerulonephritis: Inflammation of the tiny filtering units inside the kidneys. It can result from autoimmune diseases, infections, or chronic illnesses such as lupus. This condition may cause protein or blood to leak into the urine and requires close monitoring and individualized treatment.
• Polycystic kidney disease (PKD): A hereditary disorder characterized by the growth of numerous cysts in the kidneys, which may impair their function over time.
• High blood pressure: Both a cause and a complication of kidney disease. Nephrologists often help manage hypertension to protect kidney function.
• Electrolyte imbalances: The kidneys help regulate key minerals such as sodium, potassium, calcium, and phosphate. Imbalances in these levels can affect multiple systems in the body.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosing kidney disease typically involves blood and urine tests, imaging such as ultrasound or CT scans, and in some cases, a kidney tissue sample may be needed to examine kidney structure and determine the underlying cause. Treatment strategies depend on the specific condition and may include medication, dietary changes, dialysis, or kidney transplantation in advanced stages.

Nephrologists also follow patients with chronic conditions that affect kidney health, such as diabetes and autoimmune diseases like lupus.

The Importance of Early Detection

Kidney disease often progresses silently, with no symptoms in its early stages. Routine kidney function testing is especially important for people at higher risk—such as those with diabetes, hypertension, or a family history of kidney disease. Early detection makes it possible to slow disease progression and reduce complications.