A nephrologist is a doctor who specializes in kidney diseases, such as kidney infection, kidney stones or kidney failure. The nephrologist can prescribe medication or recommend procedures such as surgery and dialysis, for example.
The nephrologist can work in offices, basic health units and hospitals.
It is important to consult a nephrologist whenever symptoms appear that may suggest kidney problems, such as frequent urge to urinate, back pain and the presence of foam in the urine. Learn about other symptoms that may indicate kidney problems.
What does a nephrologist do?
The nephrologist is the doctor responsible for diagnosing, treating and preventing complications from problems such as:
- Kidney stone;
- Renal insufficiency;
- Kidney failure;
- Nephrotic syndrome;
- Kidney infection;
- Kidney cancer;
- Urinary infection;
- Autoimmune diseases.
To diagnose kidney problems, the nephrologist usually carries out a physical assessment of the person’s health history, in addition to ordering some tests to help complement the diagnosis, such as blood tests, urine tests and ultrasounds.
The treatments recommended by the nephrologist vary according to the type of problem, and may include the use of medicines, such as painkillers and antibiotics, as well as indications for transplants and hemodialysis, for example.
When to make an appointment
It is recommended to see a nephrologist whenever signs and symptoms are observed that may indicate kidney problems, such as constant urge to urinate, changes in the color and smell of urine and the presence of foam in the urine. Learn about other symptoms of kidney problems.
Furthermore, other symptoms that do not seem to be related to the kidneys, such as back pain, swelling in the legs and a metallic taste in the mouth, may also indicate kidney problems, which is why it is recommended to consult a nephrologist.
Difference Between Nephrologist and Urologist
A urologist is a surgeon specializing in urology, who helps in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases related to all organs of the urinary system, such as kidneys (mainly surgeries), bladder and urethra, in both men and women.
In addition, the urologist also specializes in treating situations related to men’s health, such as problems with the prostate, penis and testicles. See what the urologist does.
A nephrologist is a doctor who helps diagnose and treat only kidney problems that do not require surgery. Therefore, in cases that require surgery, this doctor usually refers the person to undergo this procedure with a urologist.
Bibliography
- MINEIRA SOCIETY OF NEPHROLOGY. What does a nephrologist do?. Available at: <https://smn.org.br/medico-nefrologista-especialista-rim/>. Accessed on May 30, 2022
- DALLAS NEPHROLOGY ASSOCIATES. What is nephrology?. Available at: <https://www.dneph.com/what-is-nephrology/>. Accessed on May 30, 2022
- AMERICAN COLLEGE OF PHYSICIANS. Internal medicine subspecialties: nephrology. Disponível em: <https://www.acponline.org/about-acp/about-internal-medicine/subspecialties-of-internal-medicine/nephrology>. Acesso em 30 mai 2022
- BRAZILIAN SOCIETY OF NEPHROLOGY. What is nephrology: understand nephrology. Available at: <https://www.sbn.org.br/o-que-e-nefrologia/entenda-a-nefrologia/>. Accessed on May 30, 2022
