What is Nephrology?

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Nephrology is the medical branch that deals with kidney functions and kidney disorders and promoting kidney and renal health.  

What spectrum of health problems are addressed?

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Nephrology is the branch of medicine that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of kidney disorders by preserving kidney health, including electrolyte disturbances and hypertension along with renal replacement therapy, including dialysis and renal transplant patients.

Which are the most common symptoms?

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Some of the common symptoms of kidney issues include – 

• Nausea , Vomiting , Decreased mental sharpness , Sleep problems , Persistent itching , Swelling of feet and ankles , High blood pressure (hypertension) that's difficult to control , Muscle twitches and cramps , Chest pain, if fluid builds up around the lining of the heart , Shortness of breath, if fluid builds up in the lungs , Loss of appetite , Fatigue and weakness , Changes in how much you urinate.

Who is more predisposed to such conditions?

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Gender –

Men are at a higher risk of being affected by kidney disorders than women.  

Age –

Individuals beyond the age of 60 can increase the chances of kidney disorders. 

Inherited traits –

You are at a higher risk of having kidney disorders in case you have someone in your family (blood relative) suffering from the same. 

Lifestyle –

Smoking, consumption of alcohol, imbalanced and poor diet can result in kidney disorders.   

Pre-existing disorders –

Diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, cardiovascular disorder, and abnormal kidney structure can invite kidney diseases. 

Additional complications due to COVID-19

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Physical inactivity, overeating and lack of a balanced diet can be the cause of kidney disorders during COVID-19.