Nephrology: Kidney Diseases, Diagnosis & Treatment Overview

Urinalysis: Protein, blood, casts, pH, specific gravity.
Blood Work: Creatinine, BUN, eGFR, electrolytes, bicarbonate, CBC.
Imaging: Renal US (size, obstruction, cysts), CT/MRI for masses/vascular.
Biopsy: For glomerular disease diagnosis.

What Is Nephrology?

Nephrology is the internal medicine subspecialty focused on kidney function, disease, and systemic consequences of renal dysfunction.

Glomerulonephritis: Inflammatory glomerular injury (immune, infectious, systemic).
Pyelonephritis: Kidney infection (usually ascending UTI).
Nephrolithiasis (Kidney Stones): Calcium oxalate, uric acid, struvite, cystine.
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): Stages 1–5 by eGFR; progression slowing, complication management.
End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD): Dialysis (HD/PD) and transplant coordination.
Electrolyte/Acid-Base Disorders: Hyperkalemia, metabolic acidosis, etc.
Hypertensive Nephrosclerosis / Diabetic Nephropathy: Leading CKD causes.

Medications: ACEi/ARB, SGLT2i, immunosuppressants, diuretics, binders.
Dietary: Sodium, potassium, phosphate, protein modulation.
Renal Replacement: Hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, kidney transplant.
Multidisciplinary: Cardiology, endocrinology, vascular surgery, dietetics, social work.

Nephrologists are central to preserving kidney function and managing the systemic effects of kidney failure.