Nephrology (or renal medicine) is the medical specialty concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of kidney diseases and the care of those requiring renal replacement therapy including patients requiring dialysis and kidney transplant patients.

Renal specialist, or nephrologists, care for patients with kidney problems, which can vary from issues like infections, to more serious conditions such as kidney failure. They also manage kidney-related diseases that can impact other organs, including high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease.

People with conditions like chronic kidney disease (CKD), acute kidney injury (AKI), or recurrent kidney stones often see a renal specialist. Other conditions treated include glomerulonephritis, an inflammation of the kidney’s filtering units, and kidney damage caused by diabetes or high blood pressure.

For patients already dealing with kidney disease, close collaboration with a nephrologist is essential for optimal management. Ongoing monitoring and timely interventions can help slow disease progression, manage symptoms, and improve overall quality of life.