Nephrology is a specialized branch of internal medicine focused on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of kidney-related disorders. This subspecialty addresses various conditions that affect kidney function, such as chronic kidney disease, kidney infections, and hypertension. Nephrologists are medical professionals who are highly trained to provide comprehensive care for patients with kidney problems.
Nephrology plays a critical role in healthcare due to the kidneys’ essential functions in maintaining the body’s overall health. Kidneys filter waste products from the blood, regulate fluid balance, and contribute to blood pressure control. When kidneys are impaired, it impacts not just renal function but also general health, making nephrology services vital for preventing and treating potentially severe complications.
Moreover, as the incidence of diseases such as diabetes and hypertension rises, the prevalence of kidney disease also increases. Nephrology provides crucial interventions to prevent progression to advanced kidney disease stages, thereby reducing the associated healthcare costs, personal burdens, and mortality rates.