Nephrology

WHAT IS NEPHROLOGY

Nephrology is the medical specialty concerned with the kidneys and how they function. The kidneys are vital organs that eliminate waste from the blood, maintain electrolyte and fluid balance, and produce hormones that regulate red blood cell development, bone health, and blood pressure. Hypertension, electrolyte imbalances, acid-base imbalances, kidney stones, and renal failure are also included in nephrology.

ROLE OF KIDNEYS

The kidneys are two tiny, bean-shaped organs positioned on either side of the spine in the lower back. They are an important element of the urinary system and play an important role in overall health. Nephron Hospital specialises in the care and treatment of kidney disease patients, and we realise the necessity of teaching our patients about kidney functions. The kidneys perform the following important tasks in the body:

• Waste removal: The kidneys filter waste products such as urea, creatinine, and other poisons from the blood. These waste products are then expelled from the body as urine.
• Fluid regulation: The kidneys aid in the regulation of fluid and electrolyte balance in the body, which is necessary for appropriate bodily processes. They also create hormones that control the creation of red blood cells, bone health, and blood pressure.
• Blood pressure regulation: The kidneys generate the hormone renin, which helps regulate blood pressure by limiting the quantity of fluid in the blood vessels. They also produce erythropoietin, a hormone that encourages the creation of red blood cells.
• Acid-base balance: The kidneys aid in the maintenance of the body’s acid-base balance by excreting excess acids and bases in the urine. They also aid in the regulation of electrolyte levels such as potassium and sodium.
• Vitamin D metabolism: The kidneys play a vital role in vitamin D metabolism, which is required for strong bones and teeth.
• Hormone production: The kidneys make a number of hormones that help control many body functions. For example, erythropoietin helps the body make more red blood cells, and calcitriol helps keep calcium levels in the body at the right level.
• Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR): The kidneys filter blood and monitor the rate at which they do so, which is a key sign of kidney function.

ISSUES RELATED TO KIDNEY

The following are some of the main issues that the kidneys can cause:

• Kidney stones: These are hard lumps that develop in the kidneys, and they might hurt or make you uncomfortable when they move through your urinary system. They may be brought on by a number of situations, including dehydration, an imbalance in the minerals in the urine, and others.
• Acute kidney damage: It is a sudden loss of kidney function that can be brought on by a sickness or an accident. It can be brought on by a number of things, such as dehydration, sepsis, and specific drugs.
• Chronic kidney disease: A long-term disorder in which the kidneys gradually lose function over time is chronic renal disease. Diabetes, hypertension, and particular hereditary disorders are only a few of the causes.
• Nephrotic syndrome: Nephrotic syndrome is a collection of symptoms brought on by harm to the filtering organs of the kidneys. Numerous conditions, including glomerulonephritis, diabetes, and some medications, can cause it, and it can cause a significant loss of protein in the urine.
• Nephritis: Nephritis is an inflammation of the kidneys that can result from a variety of conditions, including illnesses like infections and autoimmune diseases as well as medications.
• Urinary tract infection (UTI): The kidneys, bladder, ureters, and urethra are all parts of the urinary system where UTIs can develop. They are a result of bacteria and can cause a variety of symptoms, including pain, burning, and frequent urination.
• Renal artery stenosis: The renal artery, which delivers blood to the kidneys, becomes narrowed. Numerous things, such as atherosclerosis and fibromuscular dysplasia, can contribute to its development.

It is critical to preserve the kidneys’ healthy function because any disruption in their function can lead to a variety of health issues. A healthy lifestyle and regular check-ups can help prevent kidney disease. If you have any worries regarding your kidney health, contact us now.