Nephrologist
A nephrologist — is a doctor who specialises in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of kidney diseases. A nephrologist consultation is recommended not only when a diagnosis has already been established, but also when blood or urine tests show abnormalities, creatinine levels are elevated, the glomerular filtration rate is reduced, protein is detected in the urine, swelling occurs or arterial blood pressure is difficult to control.
Kidney diseases may develop for a long time without noticeable symptoms. A person may feel practically healthy even though laboratory results already indicate a decline in kidney function. Therefore, a timely nephrologist consultation is especially important for patients with diabetes, high arterial blood pressure, cardiovascular or autoimmune diseases.
At the FORTEMED Medical Centre, patients can receive a nephrologist consultation in Riga, have their kidney function assessed and receive an individual examination, treatment and follow-up plan.
When should you see a nephrologist?
It is recommended to book a nephrologist consultation if:
- creatinine or urea levels are elevated, or the GFR (eGFR) is reduced;
- protein, albumin, red blood cells or blood are detected in the urine;
- swelling has developed, the colour of the urine has changed or the urine has become unusually foamy;
- there is persistently high blood pressure, lower back pain or recurrent urinary tract infections;
- you have diabetes, kidney stones, an autoimmune disease, one functioning kidney or a hereditary predisposition to kidney disease;
- a second opinion is required regarding examination results or prescribed treatment.
Having one of these signs does not always indicate a serious disease. However, changes in kidney function require professional assessment, as early detection allows treatment to be started promptly and reduces the risk of complications.
Which conditions does a nephrologist treat?
A nephrologist consults and monitors patients with the following diseases and conditions:
- chronic kidney disease;
- acute kidney injury;
- glomerulonephritis and IgA nephropathy;
- diabetic and hypertensive nephropathy;
- pyelonephritis and recurrent urinary tract infections;
- polycystic kidney disease and other hereditary kidney diseases;
- kidney damage associated with autoimmune and systemic diseases;
- kidney stone disease and impaired function of a solitary kidney.
Kidney health is assessed using creatinine levels, the estimated glomerular filtration rate eGFR, as well as the levels of albumin, protein and other markers in the urine.
What is the difference between a nephrologist and a urologist?
A nephrologist mainly treats diseases that affect kidney function and require medication or long-term monitoring.
A urologist treats structural and surgically manageable diseases of the urinary system, including urinary outflow obstruction, certain types of kidney stone disease, and conditions affecting the bladder, prostate and male reproductive system.
In some cases, nephrologists and urologists work together. For example, a urologist removes an obstruction to urinary flow or performs surgical treatment of a kidney stone, while a nephrologist assesses kidney function and helps prevent further deterioration.
What happens during a nephrologist consultation?
During the consultation, the nephrologist evaluates the patient’s symptoms, medical history, arterial blood pressure, current medications and the results of previous examinations. If necessary, the doctor prescribes blood and urine tests, kidney ultrasound or other examinations and prepares an individual treatment and follow-up plan.
Which examinations may be prescribed by a nephrologist?
Depending on the clinical situation, the following may be recommended:
- general urine analysis;
- measurement of albumin or protein in the urine;
- blood creatinine measurement and eGFR calculation;
- measurement of urea and electrolytes;
- complete blood count;
- glucose and glycated haemoglobin tests;
- immunological and other laboratory tests;
- ultrasound examination of the kidneys and urinary tract;
- additional examinations according to medical indications.
Ultrasound examination of the kidneys and urinary tract is available at the FORTEMED Medical Centre. The examination helps assess the size and structure of the kidneys, the condition of the urinary tract and identify possible structural abnormalities.
How should you prepare for the consultation?
Please bring your laboratory test results, ultrasound and other examination reports, hospital discharge summaries and a list of current medications. If you have high blood pressure, it is advisable to bring a record of measurements taken at home. No special preparation is usually required for the consultation.
Why is it important to monitor kidney function?
Kidney diseases may remain asymptomatic for a long time and be detected only through blood or urine tests. Regular monitoring of kidney function is particularly important for patients with diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular diseases or a hereditary predisposition to kidney disease.
Timely diagnosis helps identify the cause of the disorder, slow the decline in kidney function and prevent complications.
FORTEMED nephrologist
FORTEMED multidisciplinary approach
Kidney diseases are often associated with diabetes, high blood pressure, metabolic disorders and autoimmune diseases.
If necessary, the FORTEMED nephrologist works together with a urologist, endocrinologist, cardiologist, rheumatologist and ultrasound specialists. This makes it possible to assess the patient’s health comprehensively and select the most appropriate treatment.
Booking an appointment with a FORTEMED nephrologist
To book a nephrologist consultation in Riga, call +371 2330 4440 or use the online appointment system.
Do not postpone an examination if your kidney function indicators have changed, swelling has developed, protein or blood has been detected in the urine, or arterial blood pressure has become more difficult to control. A timely nephrologist consultation will help determine the cause of these changes and establish the appropriate next steps.
