Nephrologists are the medical doctors who are specialized & well trained in diagnosing and treating the medical conditions, diseases & disorders related to kidneys. A medicinal branch that deals with diagnosis and treatment of kidney diseases is called Nephrology. Nephrologists are also known as Renal specialists

What are the qualifications of Nephrologists?

A 5-year medical degree [MBBS] that is recognized by the General Medical Council and a 2-year foundation course of general training are the basic requirements for an individual to be a doctor. However, following are the specialties or extra qualifications required to be a Nephrologist:

DNB - Nephrology
Diplomate of the American Board of Internal Medicine (Nephrology)
FRCS - Nephrology
MRCP (UK)
Fellowship in Nephrology
DM - Nephrology
FRACP - Nephrology
MNAMS - Nephrology
FRCP - Nephrology
PhD - Nephrology

What are the conditions treated by a Nephrologist?

A Nephrologist can treat the following conditions:

Blood or protein in the urine
Chronic kidney disease
Kidney stone (can also be treated by a urologist)
Kidney infections
Glomerulonephritis
Kidney cancer
Polycystic kidney disease
Hemolytic uremic syndrome
Renal artery stenosis
Nephrotic syndrome
End-stage kidney disease
Kidney failure (acute or chronic)

A Nephrologist can also be consulted during other dysfunctions affecting kidney functions, such as:

High blood pressure
Diabetes
Heart disease
Autoimmune conditions
Medications affecting kidney functions

What are the tests and procedures suggested by a Nephrologist?

The variety of tests and procedures are:

Glomerular filtration rate
Serum creatinine
Blood urea nitrogen
Urinalysis
Albumin-Creatinine ratio
24-hour urine collection
Creatinine clearance
Dialysis
Kidney biopsies
Kidney transplants

What is the difference between a Nephrologist and a urologist?

The two fields of Nephrology and urology overlap sometimes as they both involve kidneys. A Nephrologist deals with the diseases and conditions affecting the kidneys directly. Whereas, a urologist focuses on diseases and conditions that affect the urinary tract of both male and female.

Can Nephrologists treat kidney stones?

Generally, kidney stones can be diagnosed and treated by a Urologist who is well trained and specialized in Urology.

Can a Nephrologist cure kidney dysfunction?

Yes, Nephrologists can diagnose and treat kidney dysfunction through lifestyle modifications and medications. Patients with kidney dysfunction should visit a Nephrologist as instructed and must follow all the guidelines.