Nephrology is the branch of science that deals with diseases or loss of function of the kidney. The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs in our body consisting of a complex network of blood vessels, tubes, and tubules that filter blood of its waste products and excess water. Our kidneys play an important role in our body; thus, a loss of kidney function is serious and requires expert medical care.
Nephrologists, also known as kidney specialists, are specialists in internal medicine with extra training in the medical treatment of patients with kidney diseases. They specialize in kidney care by treating chronic kidney diseases and managing dialysis care for patients. Early recognition, evaluation, and intervention are very important in slowing the progression of kidney disease and preventing its complications; therefore, it is important for primary care physicians to refer severe kidney patients to nephrologists for specialized care. Common reasons for referral to nephrologists are if the patient has hypertension, repeat kidney stones, the presence of proteins or blood in urine, acute renal failure, chronic kidney disease, accelerated decline in kidney function, chronic or repeat urinary tract infections, high blood pressure which is unresponsive to medication, or a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of 30 or lower.
There are many types of kidney disease, and conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure usually cause symptoms. Thus, it is important for a nephrologist to identify and manage the specific condition that is causing the problem and to give guidance on how to prevent and avoid situations that could lead to further damage.
Depending on the stage of kidney disease and loss of function, there are various courses of treatment. If diabetes or high blood pressure is the cause of kidney disease, then a healthy diet regime, exercise, and medicine can be prescribed to help control the condition. The intake of alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drugs has to be completely stopped and a healthy lifestyle change has to be undertaken by the patient.
If there is excessive kidney damage, then nephrologists will discuss the alternatives available, such as renal replacement therapy. Renal replacement therapies play a vital role in the treatment of severe acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease and consist of dialysis and renal transplants. Dialysis is used to remove waste products from the body and is often seen as a temporary relief measure until a suitable donor can be found for a renal transplant.
Arora Hospital employs the best nephrologists in Sri Lanka who provide excellent medical services for kidney patients. The hospital provides holiday dialysis and renal transplants for patients from all over the world, supervised by the best kidney specialists in Sri Lanka.
