If you think the heart is the hardest-working body part, pumping blood 24/7, you must appreciate the pair of bean-shaped organs, also called the kidneys. These organs filter approximately 180 litres of blood per day, eliminating waste and excess fluid from the bloodstream.

While your kidneys work tirelessly to protect your well-being, any ailments that catch them off guard can impact other vital organs, such as the heart, liver, and the entire body.  

If the kidneys fail to carry out their daily cleansing duties and instead retain waste products within the body, it will even prevent the other organs from performing their duties. This can lead to heart failure, kidney failure, and seizures.

If you are facing kidney-related issues and wondering when you should visit a nephrological hospital, here are some conditions that should prompt you to consult with a kidney specialist before they become more serious.

When Should You Visit A Nephrological Hospital for Kidney-Related Conditions?

Here, we will learn about common kidney conditions, ranging from kidney stones to kidney failure, their types, causes, symptoms, and available treatment options within a nephrological hospital.

1. Treatment of Kidney Stones

About one in ten people visits a kidney specialist for treatment of kidney stones. These stones are hard, pea-like objects formed by toxins from urine. There are four main types of kidney stones varying in size and shape: cystine, calcium oxalate, uric acid, and struvite. The causes of kidney stones can be anything from hereditary factors to lifestyle choices, infections, and digestive issues. 

But it usually occurs when too many toxins are present to pass from too little liquid. Eventually, these toxins become tiny solid balls due to their inability to pass through urine. Sometimes, this group of tiny balls creates a larger stone. 
 
Some treatments for kidney stones include a combination of medicine and therapy that helps stones pass through urine on their own. However, for bigger stones or stones located in an unreachable location, advanced invasive treatments such as shock wave or laser lithotripsy, ureteroscopy, and percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) are utilized.

Some common symptoms to look out for are sharp pain in the abdomen, blood in the urine, or acute pain during urination. Based on these symptoms, the most accurate way to diagnose kidney stones is to perform tests like urine analysis, ultrasound, abdominal X-rays, and CT scans.

2. Glomerulonephritis Treatment at Nephrological Hospital

The part of the kidney that filters your blood is called glomeruli. Inflammation or any injury to the glomeruli compromises their ability to clean waste and toxins from the blood, causing the body to develop glomerulonephritis, also known as nephrotic syndrome.

The condition is further categorized into two types: acute and chronic. The acute form develops suddenly, but the chronic form is silent, asymptomatic, and progressive. While the infection may resolve many times, others may require treatment to prevent kidney failure.

Nephrological hospitals may perform dialysis using an artificial kidney-like device that purifies the blood in conditions like glomerulonephritis. This device protects the patient's kidney from further damage or the risk of kidney failure.

3. Polycystic Kidney Disease Treatment

Polycystic kidney disease is a hereditary condition in which numerous cysts develop in the kidneys, interfering with their ability to perform important functions. Due to the growing number of cysts in kidneys, patients often develop cysts in other organs like the liver as well. The kidneys also grow larger, posing a serious risk of kidney damage and eventual kidney failure.

Many experts believe that abnormal genetics cause this disease to develop, so in the majority of cases, the disease runs in the family. Some common symptoms, apart from those associated with being a carrier due to genetics, include frequent bladder infections, kidney infections, and the presence of blood in the urine.

One of the most reliable ways to diagnose PKD is through ultrasound imaging. In some scenarios, nephrologists may rely on genetic blood testing to identify traces of abnormal genes. Although there is no single cure for PKD to prolong kidney function, many nephrological hospitals rely on dialysis and kidney transplantation.

4. Kidney Cancer Treatment

Kidney cancer, also known as renal cancer, is detected when a tumour is present in the kidney. The tumour forms when functional and healthy cells in the kidney grow out of control and form a lump.

Although there is no definitive way to diagnose cancer in its early stages, patients with renal cancer often experience high blood pressure, blood in their urine, and unexplained weight loss.

Abdominal ultrasound is an accurate method for detecting the presence of cancer in the kidney. Nephrological hospitals specializing in cancer typically determine the stage of cancer based on the size of the tumour and the extent to which it has spread, enabling them to plan the appropriate treatment.

Invasive surgical options include partially removing the kidney with the tumour or removing the entire kidney. Radiation therapy is performed in many nephrological hospitals to alleviate pain in cancer patients.

5. Kidney Failure Treatment

When certain conditions or diseases progress to their advanced stages, they manifest into kidney failure. Diseases like polycystic kidney disease, glomerulonephritis, and autoimmune diseases like lupus can cause the kidneys to cease functioning completely.

Acute kidney failure involves a sudden loss of kidney function, while chronic kidney failure is characterized by a gradual and progressive decline in kidney function, often irreversible.

Nephrological hospitals offer two treatment options to sustain patients with kidney failure: hemodialysis, where patients visit the hospital three or four days a week for blood filtration using an artificial kidney, and peritoneal dialysis, which can be done at home. In peritoneal dialysis, doctors attach a bag to carry out blood-cleaning functions. Additionally, if patients find a kidney match, they can opt for a kidney transplant.

Seek Comprehensive Care for Nephrological Conditions at Noble Hospital Pune

Patients suffering from kidney disease often experience high levels of physical and mental fatigue. They require a team of medical experts who not only treat their chronic condition but also alleviate their pain and develop a systematic treatment plan with empathy and care. Therefore, choosing a nephrological hospital like Noble Hospital Pune, where a team of experienced professionals, along with cutting-edge diagnostic and treatment tools, make dialysis, transplants, and surgeries easy, is crucial. We strive to offer superior care and assistance to children and adults suffering from kidney disease.