Nephrology is the branch of internal medicine dealing with the study of the function and diseases of the kidney. The word nephrology is derived from the Greek word nephros, which means "kidney", and the suffix -ology, or "study of".

Scope of the specialty

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Most diseases affecting the kidney are not limited to the organ itself, but are systemic disorders. Nephrology concerns itself with the diagnosis of kidney disease and its treatment (medication, dialysis), and follow-up of renal transplant patients. Additionally, most nephrologists consider themselves to be expert in the care of electrolyte disorders and hypertension. Given that most renal conditions are chronic, nephrologists "grow with their patients".

Who sees a nephrologist?

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Patients are referred to nephrology specialists for various different reasons, such as :

• Acute renal failure, a sudden loss of renal function
• Chronic renal failure; another doctor has detected symptoms of declining renal function, often a rise in creatinine.
• Hematuria (blood loss in the urine)
• Proteinuria the loss of protein especially albumin in the urine
• Kidney stones
• Cancer of the kidney, mostly renal cell carcinoma but this is usually the domain of the urologist
• Chronic or recurrent urinary tract infections
• Hypertension that has failed to respond to multiple forms of anti-hypertensive medication or could have a secondary cause
• Electrolyte disorders or acid/base imbalance

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