Nephrology
Nephrology is the branch of medicine that focuses on the study and treatment of kidney diseases and disorders. Nephrologists specialize in diagnosing, managing, and treating conditions that affect the kidneys, including chronic kidney disease, kidney infections, kidney stones, and kidney failure. They also manage dialysis and transplantation for patients with advanced kidney disease.
Nephrology covers a wide range of kidney-related conditions and offers both medical and surgical treatments. Common conditions treated in nephrology include:
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): A progressive decline in kidney function over time, which can lead to kidney failure if not properly managed.
Acute Kidney Injury (AKI): A sudden loss of kidney function, often caused by dehydration, infection, or other factors, requiring immediate treatment.
Kidney Stones: Hard deposits of minerals and salts that form in the kidneys and cause severe pain. Treatment may involve medication, shockwave therapy, or surgery.
Glomerulonephritis: Inflammation of the kidney's filtering units, which can lead to kidney damage. It can be caused by infections, autoimmune diseases, or other factors.
Dialysis: A treatment that replaces the function of the kidneys in patients with kidney failure. There are two types of dialysis: hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.
