Nephrology
We offer specialized treatment for a variety of kidney disorders near Banga and Phagwara, in Dhahan-Kaleran, in the Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar District in Punjab.
Our nephrology care includes both preventative and ongoing treatment for conditions that affect the function of the kidneys. We aim to use the latest scientific research and medical methodology in our approach to kidney health.
Who should see a nephrologist?
A nephrologist is a doctor who specializes in diseases of the kidneys. The kidneys are integral to removing waste and fluid surpluses from the body.
Improperly functioning kidneys can be extremely dangerous, and even fatal. Kidney disease can develop into end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or kidney failure (i.e. renal failure).
It can be hard to recognize a kidney problem. That’s because symptoms of kidney disease can overlap with several other conditions. Many symptoms also don’t develop until chronic kidney disease (CKD) has advanced into its later stages.
This is why it’s important to see a nephrologist soon after you notice symptoms, or even as a preventative measure. If a kidney disease is found, early treatment can be key to survival.
Those with:
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Lupus
- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
- Hepatitis B and C
Or other types of infection are at higher risk of developing kidney disease. They should see a nephrologist to manage their condition.
Symptoms to look out for include:
- Pain when urinating
- Excessive or less frequent urination
- Urine that is very dark, frothy or changes colour in any way
- Blood in the urine
- Pain in the abdomen, back or sides
- Enlarged abdomen or feeling ‘full’ in the belly
- Nausea and vomiting
- Lack of appetite
- Swollen feet, ankles or hands
- Facial swelling or puffy skin around the eyes
- Dry, itchy skin
- Fatigue and inability to sleep
- Muscle weakness or pain
- Inability to focus or remember things (i.e. brain fog)
- Shortness of breath or chest pain
- High blood pressure (i.e. hypertension)
Blood or urine tests can also determine the potential for kidney disease. Lab tests will look for:
- High or low potassium levels in the blood
- Elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN) or creatinine in the blood
- Low blood count (anemia)
- Blood or protein in the urine
- Urinary tract infection (UTI) or kidney infection
Nephrology services
Our nephrology and interventional nephrology services include:
- Dialysis of the blood (hemodialysis), with permacath insertion, central line insertion and artery vein (AV) fistula formation
- Home dialysis training and equipment distribution
- Kidney ultrasounds, CT scans or X-rays
- Blood and urine tests (urinalysis)
- Kidney stone removal
- Kidney transplant follow-up
- Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) diagnosis and management
- Glomerulonephritis (kidney inflammation) diagnosis and management
- Prescription writing for kidney medications such as:
- Procrit prescription for anemia
- Blood pressure and high cholesterol (i.e. statin) medications
- Diuretics (i.e. water pills)
- Corticosteroids (immunosuppressants)
And so on.