Nephrologist- who deals in management of conditions related to the Renal System

A Nephrologist is a medical professional who deals in management of conditions related to the Renal System i.e. Kidneys.

Out of various Renal Pathologies, the two most common and severe kidney conditions are:

Kidney Stones

Renal Failure

(In cases of drug toxicity, Forced Alkaline Diuresis is given to patients, for immediate drug removal)

Kidney Stones, also known as Renal Calculus (Nephrolithiasis) are Crystal Oxalate Crystals. They are formed in the kidney from the minerals present in the kidney. These stones are formed normally, and pass through the Ureter without any symptoms. However, when they increase in size, they may block the Ureter, leading to Pain (Renal Colic)

Basic Management includes:

Re-Hydration i.e. Water Therapy

The Patient is asked to drink plenty amount of water.

Drug Therapy

Narcotic Pain Analgesics are frequently prescribed to patients with renal colic.

For Severe cases, treatment regimen includes:

Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL).

Surgical Removal Of Stones

Kidney failure (Renal Insufficiency, is a medical condition which the kidneys fail to adequately filter metabolic wastes from the blood. It may be Acute or Chronic.

Renal Dialysis is a life-support treatment in such conditions.

It is of 2 types:

Haemodialysis

Peritoneal Dialysis

In Haemodialysis, Blood is filtered using a dialyzer and dialysis machine whereas in Peritoneal Dialysis, Blood is filtered inside the body after the abdomen is filled with a special solution. By- Dt. Trishala Chopra