Nephrology
A branch of internal medicine dealing with the functions and diseases related to the kidneys, nephrologists diagnose and treat kidney diseases such as renal failure, kidney stones and hypertension.
How Kidney Conditions are Diagnosed
Cells from the kidney are extracted for thorough examination to determine its condition.
Often kidney conditions can be hereditary, so reference to family history for genetic predispositions are often scrutinised.
Sound waves are used to provide visual imagery for specialists to visually examine the physical condition of your kidney.
To identify any abnormalities related to renal function, the filtration rate will often be analysed and the presence of protein in urine is often taken into consideration.
Gleneagles Hospitals Nephrology Treatment Facilities
We are looking forward to welcoming you to quality medical care here at Gleneagles Hospitals.
Our objective is to provide you with nothing short of the best possible results via our sophisticated diagnostic and recovery techniques tailored to fit the individual condition of each and every unique patient.
Gleneagles Hospitals is equipped with state-of-the-art imaging technology as well as a wide range of other diagnostic instruments.
For good general health and the prevention of onset symptoms of kidney impairment, a healthy lifestyle is a must. Please feel free to contact our dedicated multidisciplinary team of nephrological specialists and healthcare professionals for further assistance.
To find out more about our nephrology services, please visit your nearest Gleneagles Hospital.
Kidney Conditions and Symptoms
Currently the most common kidney cancer type in adults, this condition tends to develop between ages 50 to 70 years.
The initial stages often show no noticeable symptoms, however symptoms occur as the cancer begins to grow in size and depth and tend to include bloody urine, lower back pains, noticable lump in the kidney area, weight loss as well as fatigue.
A genetic disease that tends to cause growth of cysts in the kidneys, PKD can develop in both children and young adults, especially if they have a family history of PKD.
The most common symptom that tends to show is high blood pressure, while other symptoms highlight urinary tract infections, kidney stones, bloody urine as well as lower back pain.
Often developing in those with diabetes and/or high blood pressure, this condition can be an indicator of kidney disease when protein is found present in the urine.
Other symptoms may include foamy urine as well as puffiness and/or swelling of the face and/or limbs as fluid is being retained.
Noted as a chronic loss of kidney function in diabetics, this condition tends to escalate to serious complications that can include renal failure.
The most common symptom include protein in the urine, while other symptoms highlight blood pressure, increase need for urination as well as swelling of the ankles.
This symptom is often associated with kidney disease and often develops in those who experience prolonged bouts of vomiting, diarrhea, and in those who already have kidney disease.
Depending on the type of electrolyte that is imbalanced, symptoms can include fluid retention, swelling as well as pain in the face and limbs along with dehydration, thirst, weakness, lightheadedness and fainting.
Symptoms for this condition may vary, however the most common ones include swelling of the face and limbs, vomiting, fatigue, unbearable itching, poor appetite, pale skin, bad breath, urinary tract infections as well as urinary incontinence.
As a sudden and temporary loss of kidney function, acute kidney injury often develops in those who are elderly, sick and possibly in the hospital, though anyone is still susceptible.
The most common symptom is a reduction in urine production, while others highlight swelling in the legs, ankles or feet, fatigue, breathlessness, confusion, nausea and chest pains.
As the blood vessels in the kidney become inflamed, blood is inefficiently filtered and the acute form of this condition can be the result of an infection such as strep throat or lupus. The chronic type is often hereditary.
The most common symptom is presence of protein or blood in the urine, while other symptoms include puffiness of the face and a decreased urine output.
Treatment Options for Kidney Conditions and Diseases
Typically recommended when chronic kidney disease has reached an advanced stage, a machine will be used to replicate the functions of the kidney.
Some medication may help treat any underlying causes such as diabetes or hypertension, thus helping to relieve your symptoms and slow the progression of the disease.
To ensure optimal health of you and your kidneys, lifestyle changes may be recommended to help control and relieve any symptoms.
Kidney Screenings
Those who are at high risk due to existing conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure or have a family history of kidney problems are advised to undergo regular screening tests. When diagnosed at an early stage, options for early treatment often have a positive outcome before any symptoms become noticeable and the progression of the disease may also be slowed.
Any screenings done at any Gleneagles Hospital offer you nothing short of modern comfort and a team of dedicated and highly trained health care professionals. Once your test results are confirmed, your chosen doctor will go through them with you personally to ensure that you receive nothing but the best available advice and path to recovery.
Renal dysfunction (an early sign of renal failure) is usually highlighted by an increase in blood pressure.
Impaired kidney function is usually detected by an increase in blood creatinine.
Protein found in the urine tends to highlight issues with the kidney's filtration capacity.