Nephrology is the branch of medicine focused on the kidneys 🧠💧 — organs that filter blood, remove waste, and balance fluids and electrolytes.
👨⚕️ A Nephrologist diagnoses and treats kidney-related diseases, manages dialysis, and supports patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) or kidney failure.
🧠 Kidneys: The Body’s Natural Filters
🏷️ Function
🔍 Description
💧 Filtration
Removes toxins, excess fluid, and waste from the blood
⚖️ Electrolyte Balance
Maintains sodium, potassium, and calcium levels
🩸 Blood Pressure Control
Regulates blood pressure via hormone production
🧬 Erythropoietin Release
Stimulates red blood cell production
☠️ Acid-Base Balance
Keeps the body’s pH stable
🚨 Common Kidney Disorders
🚨 Condition
📋 Description
🧪 Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
Long-term loss of kidney function
🧱 Kidney Stones
Hard deposits causing pain and blockage
💉 Acute Kidney Injury (AKI)
Sudden loss of kidney function (often reversible)
🧬 Glomerulonephritis
Inflammation of kidney filters (glomeruli)
🧫 Urinary Tract Infections (UTI)
Infections that may spread to the kidneys
💔 Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD)
Genetic condition causing fluid-filled cysts
🧬 Nephrotic Syndrome
Excess protein in urine due to kidney damage
⚠️ Hypertension-related Kidney Disease
High BP damaging the kidneys over time
🔬 Tests & Diagnostics in Nephrology
🧪 Urinalysis – Checks for protein, blood, or infection in urine
💉 Creatinine & eGFR – Measures kidney function
🧬 BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen) – Assesses waste buildup in blood
🖥️ Ultrasound/CT Scan – Visualizes kidney size, stones, or cysts
🔍 Kidney Biopsy – Examines tissue under microscope
💊 Nephrology Treatments
💉 Treatment Type
📋 Purpose
💧 Dialysis (Hemodialysis/Peritoneal)
Removes waste and excess fluid when kidneys fail
💊 Blood Pressure Medications
Protect kidneys and lower BP
🥗 Dietary Management
Reduces sodium, protein, potassium, phosphorus
💉 Erythropoietin Therapy
Treats anemia related to kidney failure
💉 Kidney Transplant
Replaces failed kidneys with a healthy donor kidney
🛡️ Kidney Health Tips
💧 Stay hydrated (but don’t overdo it)
🍽️ Eat a balanced, low-sodium diet
🚫 Avoid excessive use of NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen)
🚭 Stop smoking – reduces kidney damage risk
🏃 Exercise regularly to control diabetes and blood pressure
