What kind of diseases does the nephrology department treat?
Disease description:
My friend is experiencing discomfort in the kidneys and suspects kidney stones. I'm wondering if the nephrology department can provide care. May I ask what kinds of diseases the nephrology department treats?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Yang Guang
Nephrology primarily focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of various diseases related to the kidneys. Listed below are some common types of kidney diseases:
1. Nephritis and Nephrotic Syndrome: This includes acute nephritis, chronic nephritis, occult nephritis, Henoch-Schönlein purpura nephritis, lupus nephritis, etc. Nephritis refers to inflammation of the kidneys, which may cause symptoms such as proteinuria, hematuria, and edema. Nephrotic syndrome is a clinical syndrome characterized by massive proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, edema, and hyperlipidemia.
2. Renal Insufficiency and Failure: Renal insufficiency occurs when kidney function is impaired and the kidneys can no longer adequately remove waste and toxins from the body. As the condition progresses, it may develop into renal failure, which can be either acute or chronic. Nephrologists develop treatment plans based on the patient's specific condition, which may include dialysis or kidney transplantation.
3. Urinary Tract Infections: These include cystitis, pyelonephritis, etc. These diseases are usually caused by bacterial infections and may lead to symptoms such as urinary pain, frequent urination, and urgency. Nephrologists may prescribe antibiotics and other medications for treatment.
