Nephrologist

Conditions Treated

• •Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) — Progressive loss of kidney function over months to years, often from diabetes or hypertension.
• •Diabetic Nephropathy — Kidney damage caused by long-standing diabetes — the leading cause of kidney failure in India.
• •Kidney Stones — Hard deposits forming in kidneys from minerals in urine. Very common in North India due to diet and climate.
• •Nephrotic Syndrome — Kidney condition causing excessive protein loss in urine, leading to severe swelling.
• •Hypertensive Nephropathy — Kidney damage from long-standing uncontrolled high blood pressure.

Health Tips

• •Control blood sugar and blood pressure
• •Don't take painkillers regularly without doctor's advice
• •Stay adequately hydrated
• •Get annual kidney function tests if you have diabetes or hypertension
• •Reduce salt intake to less than 5g per day
• •Don't use unregulated herbal or ayurvedic kidney remedies

How to Prepare for Your Visit

• •Bring recent blood reports — creatinine, BUN, electrolytes, CBC, urine routine
• •List all medications with doses — especially painkillers, BP medicines, and supplements
• •Note urine changes — colour, volume, frequency, foaming
• •Bring previous ultrasound or CT scan reports of kidneys
• •Mention all medications including over-the-counter painkillers and ayurvedic supplements
• •Ask about dietary restrictions specific to your kidney function stage
• •Discuss fluid intake — how much water you should drink
• •Ask about medications that need dose adjustment for kidney function
• •Avoid NSAIDs (ibuprofen, diclofenac) unless approved by your nephrologist
• •Follow dietary advice — especially salt and potassium restrictions
• •Monitor BP at home and keep a log
• •Don't skip follow-up appointments — kidney disease can worsen silently

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

• •What stage is my kidney disease?
• •How can I slow the progression?
• •Do I need to restrict my diet?
• •Which medications should I avoid?
• •Will I need dialysis or a transplant?
• •How often should I get blood tests?

When to See a Specialist

A Nephrologist specializes in kidney diseases and disorders. India has a high burden of chronic kidney disease, often linked to diabetes and hypertension.

• •Elevated creatinine or reduced eGFR on blood tests
• •Protein or blood in urine
• •Swelling in legs, ankles, or face (oedema)
• •Foamy or frothy urine
• •High blood pressure not controlled with 2+ medications
• •Diabetic with declining kidney function
• •Recurrent kidney stones
• •Family history of kidney disease or kidney failure

Seek emergency care for sudden decrease in urine output, severe swelling, confusion, or chest pain in a kidney patient.