Nephrology is the medical specialty that studies the structure and function of the kidneys, as well as the diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting these organs. This department covers the diagnosis and treatment of many conditions, including kidney failure, hypertension, urinary tract diseases, and electrolyte imbalances.
What is Nephrology?
Nephrology is the medical specialty that studies the structure and function of the kidneys, as well as kidney-related health problems. It is also known as a subspecialty of internal medicine.
The kidneys function like the body's filtering system; they filter the blood, separate harmful substances, and excrete them through urine. They also help maintain the balance of water, sodium, potassium, and various minerals.
The kidneys' ability to perform their functions fully and in a balanced manner directly affects many systems, from blood pressure control and bone health to fluid balance and metabolic regulation. In this respect, nephrology is a comprehensive field that aims to protect the overall health of the body.
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What diseases does nephrology treat?
Nephrology provides the assessment of many diseases that directly or indirectly affect the kidneys. These diseases include:
- Acute renal failure: It occurs when the kidneys lose their function rapidly. It usually develops suddenly and requires prompt intervention.
- Chronic kidney failure: It is the gradual decline of kidney function over time. It can progress without symptoms for a long time and requires regular monitoring.
- Protein leakage in the urine (proteinuria): Proteinuria is the appearance of protein in the urine when there is a problem with the kidney's filtering system, and it can be an early sign of kidney disease.
- Blood in the urine (hematuria): The presence of blood in the urine may be a sign of a problem with the kidneys or urinary tract.
- Glomerular diseases: These are diseases that occur as a result of damage to the glomeruli, the filtering units of the kidney.
- Nephritis (kidney inflammation): It develops as a result of inflammation in the kidney tissue and can be caused by various factors.
- Kidney damage due to diabetes (diabetic nephropathy): It occurs as a result of diabetes affecting the kidneys over the long term and requires careful monitoring.
- Kidney diseases related to hypertension: High blood pressure can damage the blood vessels in the kidneys, impairing kidney function.
- Electrolyte imbalances: These are conditions where the balance of minerals such as sodium, potassium, and calcium is disrupted, and are closely related to the kidneys.
- Kidney stone: Kidney stone formation and related functional disorders fall within the field of nephrology.
- Cystic kidney diseases: It is characterized by the formation of fluid-filled cysts in the kidneys and can affect kidney function.
- Uremia: It is a serious condition caused by the accumulation of waste products in the blood due to the kidneys not functioning properly.
- Elevated creatinine levels and kidney dysfunction: Increased creatinine levels in the blood may indicate problems with the kidneys' filtering function.
- Kidney diseases requiring dialysis: In cases where the kidneys have suffered advanced loss of function, dialysis treatment may be necessary to cleanse the body.
- Glomerular diseases: It encompasses diseases resulting from damage to the kidney's filtering units.
- Glomerulonephritis: It is a serious disease that develops due to inflammation of the glomeruli and can affect kidney function.
- Follow-up and treatment after kidney transplantation: Regular monitoring of kidney transplant patients and ensuring the continued healthy functioning of the kidney is one of the important areas of nephrology.
What tests are performed in the Nephrology Department?
Tests performed in the Nephrology Department are used to examine kidney health, findings in urine, and fluid-electrolyte balance in the body in detail. Depending on the patient's complaints, medical history, and examination findings, a nephrologist may use blood tests, urine tests, imaging methods, and, if necessary, further diagnostic methods. The tests and diagnostic methods used in this department include:
- Blood tests (creatinine, urea, eGFR, electrolytes): They are performed to evaluate kidney function and analyze fluid and electrolyte balance in the body.
- 24-hour urine analysis: It is used to more thoroughly assess daily protein loss, creatinine excretion, and levels of certain minerals.
- 24-hour blood pressure measurement (blood pressure monitor): This test is performed to analyze the effects of hypertension on the kidneys and the fluctuations in blood pressure throughout the day.
- Kidney ultrasound (USG): It is used to evaluate the size and structure of the kidneys, as well as conditions such as cysts, stones, or blockages.
- Kidney CT scan: It allows for a more detailed examination of kidney stones, masses, and structural abnormalities.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): It provides advanced information, especially about vascular structures and soft tissues.
- Renal angiography: This procedure is performed to visualize the blood vessels of the kidneys and to detect any narrowing or blockages.
- Kidney biopsy: Examining a small tissue sample taken from the kidney provides a definitive diagnosis of the type and severity of the disease.
- Renal scintigraphy: It is used to evaluate the functional operation of the kidneys and the contribution rate of each kidney.
What treatment methods are used in the Nephrology Department?
Treatment methods applied in the nephrology department are planned according to the cause and stage of kidney disease. In this context, different treatment methods may be applied together. The main treatment methods are as follows:
Drug Treatment
This is one of the most fundamental treatments for controlling kidney disease. Various medications may be used, particularly to control blood pressure, reduce edema, maintain electrolyte balance, and minimize protein leakage in the urine.
Blood Pressure and Metabolic Control
This helps to control diseases that directly affect kidney health, such as hypertension and diabetes.
Nutrition and Lifestyle Modifications
Salt restriction, fluid balance regulation, and control of nutrients such as protein and potassium help reduce the burden on the kidneys. Healthy lifestyle habits support the treatment process.
Treatments Targeting the Underlying Disease
In specific kidney diseases such as glomerulonephritis, treatment plans are tailored to the type and severity of the disease. These treatments aim to control disease progression.
Angioplasty (Blood Vessel Opening Procedure)
This is an interventional treatment method used to correct narrowing in the renal arteries (blood vessels in the kidneys). A catheter is used to reach the narrowed area, balloon dilation is performed, and if necessary, a stent is placed to regulate blood flow. It is particularly preferred in cases where blood flow to the kidneys is reduced.
Hemodialysis
This is a treatment method used to remove waste products from the blood with the help of a machine when the kidneys are unable to perform their function adequately.
Peritoneal Dialysis
It is an alternative dialysis method, usually performed at home, in which the peritoneum (the abdominal lining) is used as a natural filter.
Kidney Transplantation
This is one of the most effective treatment options for advanced renal failure, involving the transplantation of a healthy kidney to the patient.
