Who are Nephrologists?

Nephrologists are the doctors who are specialized in diagnosing and treating the medical conditions, diseases & disorders related to kidneys. A medicinal branch that deals with the 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, the following are the specialties or extra qualifications required to be a Nephrologist:

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

When should an individual consult a Nephrologist?

Individuals who suffer from any of the following kidney diseases should consult a Nephrologist:

• Bladder rupture
• Cryoglobulinemia
• Acute phosphate nephropathy
• Kidney injury
• Kidney failure
• Byetta and renal failure
• Capillary leak syndrome
• Ectopic kidney
• Angiomyolipoma
• Cold diuresis
• Bartter syndrome
• Tubular necrosis
• Amyloidosis
• Down syndrome
• Lobar nephronia
• EAST syndrome
• Urinary tract infections

Apart from these diseases, there are many other kidney disorders and medical conditions for which an individual should consult a Nephrologist.

What are the tests and procedures performed by a Nephrologist?

Following are few of the tests and procedures performed by Nephrologists:Tests:

Blood tests:

• Serum creatinine
• Glomerular filtration rate
• Blood urea nitrogen
• Urinalysis
• Urine tests
• 24 hr urine test
• Creatinine clearance test
• Microalbuminuria

Procedures:

• Ct scan
• Ultrasound
• Biopsies
• Hemodialysis
• Kidney transplant

How often should an individual visit a Nephrologist?

Depending on the severity of the kidney disease and health condition of the patient, one should consult a Nephrologist for every 6 months or as directed by a doctor. However, healthy individuals can visit a Nephrologist once in 2 years to check the medical condition of the kidneys.

What are the signs and symptoms that indicate severe kidney problems?

Few of the signs and symptoms that indicate severe kidney problems:

• Nausea
• Itchiness
• Swelling in the ankle, feet, legs
• Reduced urine output
• Pain or fluid in the joints
• Muscle cramps
• Blood in the urine
• High blood pressure
• Memory problem and confusion
• Sudden weight loss or severe weight loss