Nephrology visit in Trapani

The nephrologist is a doctor specialized in the prevention, diagnosis, and non-invasive treatment of kidney diseases. After diagnosing a kidney disease, the nephrologist prescribes the most appropriate individual therapeutic plan. The nephrologist treats conditions such as: kidney stones, glomerulonephritis, kidney failure, diabetic nephropathy, urinary tract inflammation, kidney damage caused by toxins, polycystic kidney disease, and other nephropathies.

A nephrology consultation is useful for assessing kidney function and excluding, diagnosing, or monitoring an existing kidney disease.

Consult a nephrologist for regular check-ups, especially if you are a high-risk patient (hypertension, diabetes, high BMI, family history of kidney disease). Don’t wait—book your appointment if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Pain below the ribs that doesn’t worsen with movement;
• Frequent urination;
• Blood in urine;
• Cloudy urine with an ammonia smell;
• Urinating at night;
• Burning and pain during urination;
• Swelling around the eyes, hands, feet, and ankles;
• Increased blood pressure.

Read more in the section KIDNEY DISEASE AND DIALYSIS.

The treatment of kidney disease depends on the type of disease. Treatment for nephrological diseases is usually aimed not only at short-term action but also at preventing the possible future development of the disease.

Loss of kidney function can be the common consequence of a wide variety of conditions that affect the kidneys directly (e.g., glomerulonephritis, polycystic kidneys, repeated kidney infections, etc.) or indirectly (such as diabetes or hypertension). When the kidneys stop functioning properly, waste products accumulate in the blood, posing a serious threat to the patient’s health and life. This situation requires renal replacement therapy – dialysis or a transplant.

In most cases, hemodialysis treatment lasts for a lifetime, or until a kidney transplant is possible. In certain cases of acute kidney damage, the kidneys may recover their function, and dialysis may no longer be necessary.

During the visit, the doctor will conduct an interview and necessary tests, evaluate changes, and identify concerning symptoms. The nephrologist may prescribe blood and urine tests and, if necessary, refer the patient for diagnostic imaging exams such as urograms, ultrasound, or scintigraphy.

The most important aspect of the first visit to the nephrologist is the medical history. Our doctor will ask many questions to better understand your condition. This information is essential for the doctor to diagnose your case and prescribe appropriate medications.

Typically, during the first visit to the nephrologist, your medical history will be reviewed, a history interview will be conducted, and if necessary, a series of tests such as a blood test, urine test, or kidney ultrasound will be ordered.

It is a good idea to bring along all test results, such as:

• Laboratory results
• Radiological test results (X-rays, ultrasound, CT scans)
• Information on diets followed
• A list of all medications and supplements you are currently using
• Information on any diseases in the family
• A list of your treating doctors with contact details.

Of course, you can also ask many questions to your doctor to better understand how your kidneys work and how they affect your health.