Who is Nephrologist?

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.