Nephrology Belgrade

Nephrology

Nephrology is a branch of medicine dedicated to the study and treatment of kidney diseases. Their function goes beyond blood filtration and fluid regulation; they play a key role in maintaining electrolyte balance, controlling blood pressure, and stimulating red blood cell production. In the following sections, we explained how to recognize symptoms that require a visit to a nephrologist and what happens during an examination with this specialist.

What is nephrology?
Nephrology is a branch of internal medicine that deals with the study of the structure, function and diseases of the kidneys, and nephrologists are medical specialists trained to diagnose and treat their various disorders. The most common problems are chronic kidney disease, urinary tract infection, kidney stones, but also numerous other pathologies. Their goal is to preserve optimal kidney function and prevent disease progression that can lead to serious complications.

What are the symptoms and when should you see a nephrologist?
There are a number of symptoms that may indicate the need to visit a nephrologist. Some of the main ones are changes in the amount and appearance of urine, such as the presence of blood in the urine, frequent urination or pain when urinating. Swelling of the extremities, face or abdomen may indicate fluid retention caused by kidney damage. Also, chronic fatigue, loss of appetite and lower back pain can be signs of kidney problems. People with hypertension (high blood pressure) should also seek the advice of a nephrologist, as this disease often affects the kidneys.

What does an examination with a nephrologist look like?
A visit to a nephrologist includes a series of steps that help the expert understand the patient's health condition and make appropriate recommendations. The first step is a detailed discussion about symptoms, medical history and risk factors. After that, the nephrologist will perform a physical examination, including measuring blood pressure and listening to the heart and lungs. Laboratory tests of blood and urine play a key role in diagnosing the problem, allowing the specialist to assess kidney function and identify any abnormalities. In some cases, additional testing such as an ultrasound, CT scan, or kidney biopsy may be needed to accurately diagnose conditions such as tumors or more serious kidney tissue damage.