Nephrology focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of structural and functional kidney diseases. The kidneys help regulate fluid and salt balance, blood pressure, and the removal of metabolic waste from the body.
A nephrology consultation is particularly important when kidney function changes, urine tests are abnormal, urinary problems recur, or kidney involvement is suspected in the context of another condition.
- swelling of the face, eyelids, or legs
- noticeable changes in urine volume, color, or frequency
- blood or protein detected in a urine test
- side or lower-back pain, especially with other urinary symptoms
- new or difficult-to-control high blood pressure
- changes in creatinine or other kidney-related blood test markers
Assessment commonly includes blood and urine tests, biochemical markers of kidney function, and, when appropriate, ultrasound or Doppler evaluation of the kidneys and urinary tract. The need for more advanced testing is determined individually from the clinical findings.
This information is general and does not replace an individual consultation with a doctor.
