Nephrology
The kidneys are the unsung heroes of our body – every day, they quietly perform essential functions, filtering waste from the blood and maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance. But what happens when these silent heroes start sending warning signals? Symptoms such as difficulty urinating, swelling, or high blood pressure can be the first signs of serious issues. Visiting a nephrologist at the right time can be crucial for kidney health preservation, and early symptom recognition allows slowing disease progression and protecting your vital organs.
Nephrologists, specialists in kidney health, play a key role in diagnosing and treating various kidney diseases. Chronic kidney disease, acute kidney injury, glomerulonephritis, diabetic nephropathy, and hypertension related to kidney issues are just some conditions that can go unnoticed until they become severe. That is why regular check-ups with a nephrologist are vital, as many kidney diseases have no clear symptoms until they progress.
The PULS nephrology team, led by Dr. Milica Kravljača, internal medicine specialist and nephrology subspecialist, uses advanced diagnostic methods to detect kidney problems in early stages. This approach allows more accurate management and helps prevent further kidney damage, ensuring a better quality of life for patients.
Symptoms indicating the need to see a nephrologist
Kidney health often goes unnoticed until more serious symptoms appear, but early problem recognition is crucial for preserving their function. If you notice any of the following signs, schedule an appointment with a nephrologist.
Abnormal urine findings
The presence of blood in the urine (hematuria) can indicate kidney stones, infection, or kidney disease. Foamy urine (proteinuria) often signals protein presence, suggesting kidney filter damage. Frequent urination, especially at night (nocturia), may also be an indicator of kidney or urinary tract issues.
Abnormal blood findings
High creatinine levels in blood tests indicate impaired kidney function. Elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels are another indicator of declining kidney function. Abnormal sodium, potassium, or calcium levels in the blood can indicate kidney dysfunction.
Swelling
When kidneys don’t function properly, excess fluid stays in the body, causing swelling. Fluid retention commonly occurs in the hands, feet, ankles, or face and can be a serious sign of kidney dysfunction.
High blood pressure
Uncontrolled high blood pressure (hypertension) is often closely linked to kidney function issues. Chronic hypertension can further damage the kidneys, while kidney disease can make it harder to regulate blood pressure.
Other symptoms
Other symptoms that may indicate kidney problems include:
– Persistent weakness and fatigue: kidneys produce erythropoietin, a hormone responsible for red blood cell production. Its deficiency due to kidney problems can lead to anemia, fatigue, and weakness.
– Changes in mental function: waste accumulation in the blood can cause confusion, concentration difficulties, or mood changes.
– Nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite: kidneys remove waste from the blood, and when that function declines, toxic substances build up and cause gastrointestinal symptoms.
– Lower back pain: sharp or persistent pain in the lower back area may indicate kidney stones, infection, or other conditions affecting the kidneys.
– Reduced urine output: if you notice a decrease in urine production, it may be a sign of severe kidney function impairment.
Conditions treated by a nephrologist
Nephrologists treat a wide range of diseases and conditions affecting the kidneys’ ability to filter blood and maintain fluid and electrolyte balance. They also address systemic problems resulting from kidney dysfunction. Here are the main conditions and diseases nephrologists manage:
Chronic kidney disease
a gradual loss of kidney function over time, often caused by diabetes, hypertension, or glomerulonephritis. Nephrologists help slow disease progression and manage complications.
Acute kidney injury
sudden, often reversible loss of kidney function caused by dehydration, medications, or toxins. Nephrologists work to identify causes and treat acute kidney injury.
Glomerulonephritis
inflammation of the glomeruli, the kidney’s filters, which can lead to kidney function impairment. It is often linked to autoimmune diseases or infections.
Hypertension related to kidney disease
high blood pressure can be caused by or cause kidney disease. Nephrologists focus on controlling blood pressure and reducing kidney damage.
Diabetic nephropathy
kidney damage due to uncontrolled diabetes, which is the leading cause of chronic kidney disease. Nephrologists help manage blood sugar levels to prevent further kidney damage.
Polycystic kidney disease
a genetic disorder where cysts develop in the kidneys, leading to enlargement and dysfunction. Nephrologists monitor disease progression and treat complications.
Kidney failure
when kidneys can no longer function, dialysis or transplantation becomes necessary. Nephrologists manage the dialysis process and prepare patients for transplantation.
Electrolyte imbalance
Disorders in sodium, potassium, calcium, and phosphate levels can result from kidney dysfunction, and nephrologists treat these imbalances to prevent heart and muscle complications.
Proteinuria and hematuria
The presence of protein or blood in urine can be a sign of kidney disease. Nephrologists identify underlying causes and treat conditions like glomerulonephritis or diabetic nephropathy.
Kidney stones
Although kidney stones are typically treated by urologists, nephrologists manage cases where stones frequently occur or are complicated by underlying metabolic disorders.
Lupus nephritis and other autoimmune diseases
Nephrologists treat kidney inflammation caused by lupus and similar diseases using therapies that reduce inflammation and control immune response.
Kidney transplantation
Nephrologists care for patients before and after kidney transplantation, helping them recover and ensuring the new kidney functions properly.
Why a check-up at PULS is the best choice for patients
PULS offers patients a comprehensive approach to diagnosing and treating kidney diseases:
- Expert team of specialists – our hospital is staffed by highly qualified specialists with years of experience in treating the most complex kidney conditions. Their multidisciplinary approach ensures that patients receive individualized care, with consultations from other specialists when necessary.
- Sophisticated diagnostics – the hospital is equipped with the latest technology for quick and accurate diagnosis. Patients can expect the highest standards in diagnostic tests, from blood and urine tests to advanced imaging techniques like ultrasound and CT scans.
- Patient-centered approach – each patient receives a personalized treatment plan tailored to their individual health condition and needs. The team of experts approaches each case with care and understanding, building a trusting relationship between doctor and patient.
- Quick and precise diagnostics – efficient organization allows patients to quickly receive test results and diagnostic evaluations, which is crucial for starting timely treatment. Fast response to symptoms can prevent the progression of kidney diseases.
- Comfort and discretion – the hospital is known for its high level of comfort and privacy. Patients feel comfortable and safe during their stay, while staff provides discreet and attentive care.
Common diagnostic tests in nephrology
Timely diagnosis of kidney diseases relies on several key tests that nephrologists use to assess kidney function and detect potential problems. At Puls, patients have access to the most advanced diagnostic tools and tests:
Blood tests
tests like serum creatinine and urea measure kidney function. Electrolyte tests help detect sodium, potassium, and calcium imbalances, which are crucial indicators of kidney health.
Urine tests
urine analysis reveals protein, blood, or other abnormalities indicating kidney damage. Tests such as the albumin-to-creatinine ratio are used for early detection of kidney issues, especially in people with diabetes or hypertension.
Kidney imaging
Kidney ultrasound and CT scans are used to detect structural abnormalities like kidney stones, cysts, or tumors. These tests are essential for accurately visualizing kidney conditions.
Kidney biopsy
when precise information about kidney tissue status is needed, nephrologists perform a kidney biopsy. This procedure allows for a deeper tissue analysis under a microscope to identify severe disorders such as glomerulonephritis or lupus nephritis.
Kidney disease treatment options
Treatment for kidney diseases depends on the type and stage of the disease and the patient’s overall health. Each treatment must be tailored to individual needs, and success lies in following the doctor’s instructions and recommendations regularly.
Medications and pharmacotherapy – nephrologists often prescribe medications such as antihypertensives, ACE inhibitors, and diuretics to manage kidney diseases. These drugs help control blood pressure, reduce swelling, and prevent further kidney damage.
Advanced therapies – some patients require advanced therapies such as immunosuppressants or biological drugs, designed to reduce inflammation and protect the kidneys from further damage, especially in autoimmune conditions like glomerulonephritis or lupus.
Dialysis and transplantation – for patients with severe kidney damage, dialysis is essential for blood filtration. Hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis are the two main methods helping patients with end-stage kidney disease. Additionally, kidney transplantation is available as a long-term solution.
The difference between a nephrologist and a urologist
Although both specialists are associated with treating kidney and urinary tract diseases, there are clear differences between nephrologists and urologists:
- Nephrologist: focuses on the medical treatment of kidney diseases, including chronic kidney disease, acute kidney injury, electrolyte imbalance, kidney-related hypertension, and glomerulonephritis. Their specialization involves managing and treating kidney dysfunction through therapies and medications but does not include surgical procedures.
- Urologist: urologists are surgical specialists who treat issues of the urinary system (kidneys, ureters, bladder) and the male reproductive system. They handle conditions like kidney stones, urinary tract infections, prostate problems, and urological cancers. Urologists perform surgical interventions, such as removing kidney stones or tumors.
Combined treatment may be necessary when a patient has complex conditions, such as kidney stones and chronic kidney disease, where nephrologists and urologists work together to ensure the best outcome for the patient.
If you notice any of these symptoms or your general practitioner recommends it, seeing a nephrologist is the first step in assessing your health condition. At Puls, we are dedicated to your health and well-being, as early detection plays a crucial role in effective treatment and preserving kidney health.
For prices of urological exams, check our price list.