A nephrologist is a doctor who focuses on the kidneys and deals with diseases affecting the kidneys. They are responsible for treating different types of kidney diseases, from minor problems to complete kidney failure, and offer both treatment and advice. They also help patients with managing and preventing kidney-related diseases by informing them about their health status and treatment options. Consulting a nephrologist like Dr Sunil Kumar, one of the best nephrologists in Kolkata, can help with the management of conditions such as hypertension and diabetes, which are the major causes of kidney diseases.
Roles and Responsibilities of Nephrologists
Nephrologists identify, treat, and prevent diseases that affect the kidneys. They also monitor and advise patients with related conditions which may affect the functioning of the kidneys. They work in coordination with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care, especially for patients who have multiple or chronic health problems.
Key aspects of their role include:
- Diagnosing Kidney Diseases: Doing a thorough diagnosis to understand the cause of kidney disease in a patient.
- Managing Chronic Kidney Disease: Supervising the development of kidney disease and its management over time.
- Treating Acute Kidney Injuries: Addressing acute kidney injury and giving first-line treatment.
- Managing Hypertension: Managing hypertension to avoid further harm to the kidneys.
- Overseeing Dialysis Treatment: Supervising patients who have chronic kidney disease and need to undergo dialysis.
- Preparing for Kidney Transplants: This involves evaluating the patients for kidney transplantation and preparing them for the surgery. After transplantation surgery, nephrologists monitor the recovery of patients and prescribe medications accordingly.
What Types of Conditions Do Nephrologists Treat?
Nephrologists handle a wide range of kidney-related conditions, including:
- Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): Causes loss of kidney function over time.
- Acute Kidney Injury (AKI): Declines kidney function.
- Glomerulonephritis: Inflammation of the kidney’s filtering units.
- Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD): Disorder causing cysts in the kidneys.
- Kidney Stones: Hard mineral deposits in the kidneys.
- Hypertension: High blood pressure affecting kidney function.
- End-stage Renal Disease (ESRD): The stage of CKD requires dialysis or a kidney transplant.
- Electrolyte Imbalances: Issues with the levels of minerals and salts in the blood.
- Proteinuria: Excess protein in the urine, indicating kidney damage.
- Haematuria: Blood in the urine, which is a sign of kidney problems.
One of the best nephrologists in Kolkata isDr Sunil Kumar, recognized for his exceptional proficiency in diagnosing, managing, and treating complex kidney-related conditions with dedication and expertise.
Which Procedures Do Nephrologists Perform?
Nephrologists are equipped to perform a variety of procedures to diagnose and treat kidney-related conditions, ensuring comprehensive care for their patients. These procedures include:
1. Diagnostic Procedures: Basic tests such as a blood test, urine test, imaging tests, and a kidney biopsy to evaluate the functioning of the kidney and its process.
2. Treatment Procedures:
- Dialysis: Dialysis helps in the management of patients with CKD and other conditions, allowing their kidneys to remove wastes, excess fluids, and toxins from the body.
- Medication Management: Managing complications such as blood pressure, anaemia, and other disorders related to kidneys through medication.
- Nutritional Counselling: Nutrition counselling to educate patients about a diet beneficial for their kidney health and to control the disease.
3. Surgical Interventions:
- Vascular Access Surgery: Creating and maintaining access points (such as fistulas or grafts) necessary for haemodialysis.
- Kidney Transplantation: Responsible for the overall aspects of the patient undergoing kidney transplant, starting from the evaluation before the transplant surgery to the post-surgical care of the transplanted kidney.
When to Consult a Nephrologist?
It’s important to consult the best nephrologists in Kolkata if you experience any of the following:
- Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): If you have been diagnosed with CKD or have other risk factors such as diabetes or hypertension.
- Uncontrolled Hypertension: High blood pressure that cannot be treated by conventional medications.
- Blood or Protein in Urine: Early signs of damage to the kidneys.
- Family History of Kidney Disease: Hereditary factors lead to a higher risk of developing kidney issues.
- Electrolyte Imbalances: Chronic metabolic disorders, such as mineral and salt imbalances in the blood.
- Recurrent Kidney Stones: Recurrent formation or high number of kidney stones.
- Post-transplant Care: If you are going to receive a kidney transplant or the donor of a kidney, you should consult a nephrologist.
Nephrologists provide individualised treatment for each patient, focusing on the simplest kidney problems and the most severe cases that may require invasive treatment. If you are experiencing kidney-related symptoms or have risk factors for kidney disease, you should see a nephrologist to get the proper help. Take the first step towards improved kidney health with Apollo by scheduling a consultation with Dr Sunil Kumar, one of the best nephrologists in Kolkata.
