Nephrology

The Nephrology Department is a medical field that deals with kidney diseases and is staffed by doctors specialized in this area (nephrologists). A nephrologist has extensive knowledge about the structure and function of the kidneys. These doctors work to protect kidney health. They also diagnose and treat kidney diseases.

What Does Nephrology Mean? It is a branch of science that originates from internal medicine. It is a field that studies the health of the kidneys and uncovers their secrets.

This specialized area carefully examines the structure, functioning, and disorders of the kidneys in the human body. It also researches new treatment methods for these disorders.

Nephrologists are physicians with in-depth knowledge and experience in this field, specialized in kidney health.

These specialists play an important role in the diagnosis and treatment of kidney diseases. These diseases range from the silent progression of kidney failure, to the painful effects of kidney inflammations, and the pain caused by kidney stones.

• Kidney Biopsy: A small sample of kidney tissue is taken and examined under a microscope. This method is used for the definitive diagnosis of kidney diseases.
• Dialysis: In patients with kidney failure, dialysis is applied to filter the blood and remove waste products. Different dialysis methods, such as hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis, are available.
• Chronic Kidney Disease Treatment: Medication is recommended to slow the progression of chronic kidney disease. Diet and lifestyle changes are also important.
• Acute Kidney Failure Treatment: The causes of acute kidney failure are investigated, and appropriate treatment methods are applied.
• Glomerulonephritis Treatment: Medications and other treatment methods are used to treat glomerulonephritis, which is inflammation of the kidney filters.
• Nephrotic Syndrome Treatment: Treatment is provided for nephrotic syndrome, which causes excessive protein loss in the urine.
• Polycystic Kidney Disease Treatment: Polycystic kidney disease is a genetic condition. Treatment is applied to slow its progression, and preventing complications is also important.
• Kidney Stones Treatment: Various methods are used to pass or break kidney stones, including medication, shock wave therapy, and surgical intervention.
• Urinary Tract Infection Treatment: Antibiotics are used to treat urinary tract infections.
• High Blood Pressure and Kidney Diseases: The effects of high blood pressure on kidney health are evaluated, and appropriate treatment is provided.
• Diabetes and Kidney Diseases: The impact of diabetes on kidney health is assessed, and suitable treatment is applied.

Nephrological diseases include various disorders that affect the structure and function of the kidneys. The symptoms of these diseases can vary depending on the type and severity of the condition.

Commonly observed symptoms include:

• Decrease or increase in urine output: Changes in the kidneys’ filtering function can affect urine volume.
• Change in urine color: Blood (hematuria) or other abnormal substances can alter urine color.
• Foamy urine: Protein leakage (proteinuria) can cause foamy urine.
• Frequent urination at night (nocturia): May occur especially when kidney function is reduced.
• Burning or pain during urination: May be a sign of urinary tract infections.
• Swelling in the feet, legs, hands, and face: Occurs when kidneys fail to regulate fluid balance properly.
• High blood pressure: Kidney diseases may cause high blood pressure, or high blood pressure can lead to kidney diseases.
• Fatigue and weakness: Accumulation of waste products due to reduced kidney function can cause fatigue and weakness.
• Nausea and vomiting: May occur in cases of kidney failure.
• Loss of appetite: Kidney diseases can reduce appetite.
• Itching: Waste buildup in the body can lead to skin itching.
• Muscle cramps: Electrolyte imbalances may cause muscle cramps.
• Shortness of breath: Fluid accumulation in the lungs can make breathing difficult.
• Sleep problems: Kidney diseases can disrupt sleep patterns.

Nephrology is a medical branch that diagnoses and treats kidney diseases. Therefore, various diagnostic methods are used to assess kidney health. These methods help determine kidney functions, structure, and possible diseases.

The main nephrology diagnostic methods are as follows:

• Creatinine and Urea: The most commonly used tests to evaluate kidney functions.
• Electrolytes (Sodium, Potassium, Calcium, Phosphorus): Help monitor the electrolyte balance of the kidneys.
• Complete Blood Count (CBC): Detects conditions such as anemia that may be caused by kidney diseases.
• Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR): Indicates how well the kidneys are filtering.

• Urinalysis: Investigates the presence of abnormal substances in the urine such as blood, protein, glucose, and leukocytes.
• 24-Hour Urine Collection: Measures how much protein or other substances the kidneys excrete over 24 hours.
• Urine Culture: Used to detect urinary tract infections.

• Ultrasonography: Used to evaluate the size, shape, and structure of the kidneys. It can detect abnormalities such as kidney stones, cysts, or tumors.
• Computed Tomography (CT): Used to obtain more detailed images of the kidneys and urinary tract.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Used to assess kidney vessels and kidney tissue.
• Kidney Biopsy: A small sample is taken from kidney tissue. This sample is examined under a microscope. It is especially used in the diagnosis of diseases such as glomerulonephritis.

• Renal Angiography: An imaging method used to examine the kidney vessels.
• Renal Scintigraphy: Uses radioactive substances to assess kidney function and blood flow.
• These diagnostic methods provide nephrology specialists with important information for diagnosing kidney diseases and creating treatment plans.

A Life Health Group Nephrology Department provides expert services for patients with kidney health issues in Ankara. We have experienced nephrologists to diagnose, treat, and monitor kidney diseases. With our advanced diagnostic tools, we aim to improve the quality of life for our patients.

Services Offered in Our Nephrology Department:

• Diagnosis of Kidney Diseases
• Complete blood count
• Urine tests
• Radiological imaging (MRI, CT, ultrasound)
• Kidney biopsy
• Glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) test

Treatment of Kidney Diseases

• Treatment of acute and chronic kidney failure
• Glomerulonephritis treatment
• Kidney stone disease treatment
• Treatment of kidney infections (pyelonephritis)
• Polycystic kidney disease treatment
• Diabetic nephropathy treatment
• Treatment of the effects of hypertension on the kidneys

Dialysis Services

• Hemodialysis
• Peritoneal dialysis

Kidney Transplant

• Patient preparation and follow-up for kidney transplantation

Hypertension and Kidney Health

• Evaluation and treatment of the effects of high blood pressure on kidney health

Diabetes and Kidney Health

• Evaluation and treatment of the effects of diabetes on kidney health

Why Choose A Life Health Group Nephrology Department:

• Expert and Experienced Nephrologists: Our specialized and experienced nephrologists work to provide the best treatment methods to our patients.
• Advanced Technology: Our department is equipped with the latest technological devices used in the diagnosis and treatment of kidney diseases.
• Patient-Centered Approach: The comfort and satisfaction of our patients are very important to us. We create personalized treatment plans for each patient, ensuring they feel secure throughout the treatment process.
• Multidisciplinary Approach: Since kidney diseases often affect other organs, our nephrology department collaborates closely with other departments.

You can trust A Life Health Group Nephrology Department for your kidney health.

For detailed information and to schedule an appointment, please contact us.