A nephrologist is a doctor, a nephrology specialist, who needs to be consulted when there are problems urinating, swollen eyes or hypertension - symptoms accompanying kidney diseases. It is common for the kidneys to get sick, but apart from feeling constantly tired or urinating at night, they do not give any obvious alarming signals. What symptoms could indicate kidney disease and should prompt you to see a nephrologist?
Nephrologyis a branch of medicine that focuses onkidney disease . Contrary to urology, which treats urinary tract ailments mainly by surgical methods, it is an internal medicine, i.e. non-surgical speci alty. This means that in the treatment of kidney diseases, a nephrologist uses pharmacological preparations most often. A proper diet is also important. But sometimes renal replacement therapy is necessary, mainly in renal failure. Its causes are usually glomerulonephritis, interstitial nephritis, and diabetes, which damages this organ. Treatment is then either dialysis or a transplant. It is worth knowing that nephrology also deals with arterial hypertension, which can cause kidney diseases and their consequences (e.g. glomerulonephritis or kidney failure).
Disturbing symptoms that may be a sign of kidney disease
Consult a doctor as soon as possible if they appear:
- swelling around the eyes, swelling of the hands, feet, ankles
- burning and soreness when urinating
- pollakiuria
- urinating at night
- dark, bloody urine
- cloudy urine with a sharp smell reminiscent of ammonia
- soreness below the ribs not healing with movement
- high blood pressure
Unfortunately, sometimes the kidneys get sick in an insidious way and the only symptom is fatigue or urinating at night.
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Referral to a nephrologist - specialist in kidney diseases
You will need a referral from your GP or primary care physician to see a nephrologist. On the referral, he specifies the type of specialization, but does not indicate a specific doctor. You have the right to choose a specialist, uyou want to treat. You can find a list of nephrologists at the National He alth Fund and its departments. Just check if the specialist has a contract with the Fund. If not, you will have to pay for the visit.
Take the basic test results to the nephrologist
When going to the nephrologist, take the current results of basic research with you. The most common requirements are:
- morphology
- urine general examination
- urea
- creatinine
- ionogram
- glucose level
- Ultrasound of the urinary system with the assessment of the size of the kidneys.
If chronic kidney disease is suspected, an additional calcium test should be performed. The nephrologist will also want to see the blood pressure control chart. In recurrent urinary tract infections, the patient should have the results of urine culture and glucose level with him, and in the case of proteinuria, additionally the result of daily protein loss, cholesterol and calcium tests. However, in the case of arterial hypertension, it is necessary to examine the fundus.
Tests that reveal abnormalities in the structure and function of the kidneys
The nephrologist will refer you to another specialist examination that will show the details of the structure and functioning of the kidneys. They will reveal structural deformities, deposits, stones, cysts and tumors. These tests are:
- urography (X-ray of the urinary system after contrast administration)
- ultrasound (sound wave examination)
- scintigraphy (the test uses a gamma camera connected to a computer, which "tracks" the isotope tracer administered intravenously).
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