Comprehensive Nephrology Guide
Nephrology is a subspecialty of internal medicine focused on diagnosing and treating kidney-related diseases. The human body houses two bean-shaped kidneys situated on each side in the retroperitoneal space. Their crucial functions include eliminating waste and excess fluids from the body, as well as regulating fluid intake and maintaining electrolyte concentrations, which can be affected by various conditions and medications.
Kidney complications often have systemic effects, extending beyond the organ itself, necessitating specialized medical care.
At Garg Clinic, our Nephrology Division offers comprehensive care for a wide range of chronic and acute kidney diseases. Renowned as one of India’s leading kidney hospitals, we employ state-of-the-art facilities and advanced treatment options. Our dedicated Nephrology experts at Garg Clinic invest their time, effort, and expertise in helping patients maintain kidney health through non-invasive procedures.
Our team of experienced Nephrologists is highly regarded for their exceptional clinical skills, providing top-notch treatment to individuals of all age groups, from children to adults. At Garg Clinic, we take pride in our skilled professionals, including kidney transplant specialists, nephrologists, urologists, and nursing staff.
Diseases Treated in Nephrology
Nephrology addresses various conditions that can disrupt the normal functioning of kidneys. These conditions include:
- Urine abnormalities, such as excessive protein, sugar, blood, casts, and crystals in the urine.
- Glomerular complications affecting the kidney’s tiny filtering units known as glomeruli.
- Cancers of the kidneys, bladder, and urethra.
- Acute, sudden, long-term, or chronic renal failure.
- Kidney infections.
- Effects of diseases like diabetes and hypertension on the kidneys.
- Acid-base imbalances.
- Kidney and bladder stones.
- Adverse effects of toxins and drugs on the kidneys.
- Nephrotic syndrome and nephritis.
- Renal vascular diseases that disturb the blood vessel networks within the kidneys.
- Tubulointerstitial diseases affecting the kidney tubules.
- Autoimmune diseases, including lupus and autoimmune vasculitis.
- Hydronephrosis.
- Dialysis and its associated long-term complications – hemodialysis as well as peritoneal dialysis.
- Renal transplantations.
- Polycystic kidney diseases, where large cysts or fluid-filled sacs grow within the kidneys, impairing their normal function; this may be congenital, inherited, or genetic.
- Anemia related to kidney disease.
- Bone disease related to kidney disease.
Signs and Symptoms of Kidney Diseases
Common signs and symptoms that may indicate the risk of severe kidney complications include:
- Frequent swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet.
- Consistent headaches.
- Dryness and itchiness in the skin.
- Nausea.
- Reduced sense of taste and appetite.
- Fatigue and difficulty concentrating.
- Unexplained confusion, memory problems, or trouble focusing.
- Joint pain, fluid retention, or stiffness.
- Unexplained blood pressure problems.
- Muscle cramps, numbness, or weakness.
- Daytime exhaustion but difficulty sleeping at night.
- Blood in the urine (hematuria).
- Reduced urine output not related to dehydration.
- Abnormal weight loss.
Nephrology Disease Treatments
Garg Clinics offer cutting-edge dialysis units with modern equipment and facilities for nephrology treatment, operating 24/7 at full capacity. The nephrology department provides a range of services, including:
Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy (CRRT).
Peritoneal Dialysis (CPD).
Plasma Dialysis (Plasmapheresis)
Liver Dialysis (MARS Therapy).
Kidney Transplantation.
Kidney Biopsy.
Combined Kidney & Liver Transplantation.
Common Medical Procedures in Nephrology
In Nephrology, various medical procedures are employed by specialists to diagnose, monitor, and treat kidney diseases. Some of the most common ones include:
Ultrasound: This imaging test uses high-frequency sound waves to create internal images of the kidneys, helping identify abnormalities such as changes in size, position, or the presence of cysts or tumors.
CT scan (Computed Tomography): A CT scan provides cross-sectional images of the kidneys, often using intravenous contrast dye, allowing for precise identification of organ obstructions.
Biopsy: Involves removing tiny tissue samples with a thin needle for laboratory examination. Biopsies are performed to assess kidney damage, identify disease processes, and evaluate transplantation complications.
Hemodialysis: This specialized process uses an artificial kidney machine (hemodialyzer) to remove waste, fluid, and chemicals from the blood before returning it to the body. It is primarily used for end-stage kidney failure patients who require regular hemodialysis sessions.
Kidney transplant: A surgical procedure where a damaged kidney section or the entire organ is replaced with a matching donor kidney.
Who is a nephrologist?
A nephrologist is a medical specialist who focuses on diagnosing and treating kidney diseases. Let’s meet Doctor. Neha Garg, a certified nephrologist with expertise in this field. Nephrologists undergo training in internal medicine and then pursue specialized knowledge to address various kidney disorders. They have experience in managing conditions like chronic kidney disease, acute renal failure, kidney stones, and more. Additionally, nephrologists possess extensive knowledge of kidney transplantation and dialysis. When dealing with severe and complex kidney conditions, consulting a nephrologist is the standard practice.
