Nephrologist: How Do They Treat End-Stage Renal Disease?

Nephrologists are doctors who specialise in the treatment of the kidneys. They diagnose, treat, and prevent conditions that affect the kidneys’ function. In other words, they are responsible for providing comprehensive care for patients with kidney disease. They manage the symptoms and prevent the progression of their patient’s condition.

Nephrologists play a huge role in treating patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). End-stage renal disease (ESRD) is a severe and debilitating chronic kidney disease. If left untreated, ESRD can lead to progressive renal failure and can be fatal. According to statistics, about 50% of cases turn fatal because they are left untreated. Let us know more about ESRD and the medical support required to combat it.

ESRD

End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) is a term used to describe the final stage of chronic kidney disease. It is a condition in which the kidneys are not functioning properly. ESRD requires dialysis or renal transplants, which means that the kidneys can no longer filter out waste products from the blood. This condition can lead to severe complications such as heart failure and stroke. Without proper treatment, ESRD can lead to death.

The condition may be brought on by chronic illnesses, such as diabetes or hypertension, which damage the kidneys. The kidneys can also fail due to injury, infections, or tumours. ESRD can affect people of any age, but it often occurs in older adults. ESRD is more common in women than men and is more likely to occur in African Americans than in other ethnic groups. It is also commonplace in India. It is recommended to consult the best nephrologist in Mumbai or at your preferred location if you notice the warning signs of ESRD.

Why is ESRD dangerous?

End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) is a dangerous condition that can cause complications and damage to the body.

ESRD is dangerous for several reasons, including

When people with ESRD need dialysis treatment; they may not be able to function normally.
In addition, ESRD can cause many other health problems, including heart disease and high blood pressure.
The human body cannot retain fluid and waste products as they need to be filtered. The body attempts to get rid of these wastes by flushing them out of the body in the form of urine. However, there might be insufficient fluid or blood in the body to pump this fluid out into the bladder. This process can lead to the accumulation of urea in the blood and tissues. Urea build up in the blood vessels can cause severe damage to these organs.
The longer a person has ESRD, the greater their risk of infections. These include urinary tract infections, pneumonia, and sepsis (blood poisoning). People who do not have access to dialysis or transplantation services often die from complications related to this disease.

How Do Nephrologists Treat end-stage Renal Disease?

The goal of ESRD treatment is to slow or reverse the progression of the disease. The nephrologist is responsible for diagnosing, treating, and managing the disease.The Nephrology team treating ESRD may include many specialists, such as:

❖ Urologist – A specialist in urinary disorders

❖ Renal physiologist – A specialist in fluid balance and electrolyte abnormalities

❖ Cardiologist – A specialist in heart disease

❖ Nephrologist – A specialist in kidney disease

Nephrologists treat end-stage renal disease with dialysis or kidney transplant (when possible).

Dialysis treats end-stage renal disease by removing excess water and electrolytes from the blood. The dialysis process may be done by IV, peritoneal, or haemodialysis. Dialysis is the primary treatment for people with end-stage renal failure.
Kidney transplantation is when a healthy kidney from a living donor is transplanted into the body of someone with end-stage renal failure. The donated kidney allows the patient to live a more normal life and avoid dialysis treatments as long as they take good care of their new kidney. Kidney transplantation is also performed using a deceased donor’s organs.

Your nephrologist will discuss your symptoms and treatment options to decide which is best for you.

Conclusion

Nephrologists are highly trained and specialised medical professionals in diagnosing and treating end-stage renal disease. Nephrologists are an essential part of the healthcare team and play a vital role in helping patients manage their conditions and improve their quality of life. Understanding the role of the Nephrologists and the treatments they offer can help patients make informed decisions about their care. Moreover, understanding the importance of early diagnosis and treatment of end-stage renal disease can save lives. Seek the advice of the best nephrologists in Mumbai or at your preferred location to treat ESRD effectively.

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