Nephrologist Dr. Dilip Kumar Pahari specializes in conditions that affect the kidney. Kidney issues are on the rise around the world, with millions of people each year undergoing treatments for kidney injury or chronic kidney disease. He has +30 years of experience as a Kidney Transplant Surgeon in the field of renal transplants and other conditions. He also holds professional memberships of the American Society of Nephrology, the International Society of Nephrology and the Indian Society of Nephrology as Fellow. He is an expert kidney transplant surgeon besides specializing in hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis and glomerulonephritis.
Dr. Dilip Kumar Pahari is a medical professional who diagnose, treat, and manages acute and chronic kidney problems and diseases. He also treats associated issues like high blood pressure, fluid retention, and electrolyte and mineral imbalances. In addition, he is in charge of kidney dialysis treatment both hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis and kidney transplants and their follow-up care. He experts in Chronic renal failure, Acute Kidney Injury, Hemodialysis, Peritoneal Dialysis and Glomerulonephritis and works to identify issues related to kidneys to help maintain good health. The kidneys are important because they filter the blood to remove waste and toxins and monitor and balance the water, acid-base, and mineral ratios in the body.
Some of the diseases nephrologists treat are:
- Kidney Disease: This is when the kidneys are damaged over time. People might not have severe symptoms until the disease is more advanced. But if the doctor catches it early, medications and lifestyle changes may help avoid more damage.
- Kidney failure: This is the late stage of kidney disease. If the nephrologist recommends dialysis, they’ll be in charge of the care. They may also suggest a kidney transplant. This is typically handled by a different team and a nephrologist who specializes in transplants.
- Kidney damage from cancer: Several types of cancer or their treatments can injure the kidneys. Examples of damage include blocked urine flow, toxin buildup in the kidneys, and sudden kidney failure. Cancers linked to kidney problems include Multiple myeloma, Bladder cancer, Cervical cancer, Colon cancer and Prostate cancer.
- High blood pressure: If anyone has high blood pressure that’s been hard to get under control, the nephrologist can help.
- Nephrotic syndrome: This is when protein leaks into the urine. It can lead to swelling in different parts of the body.
- Polycystic kidney disease: This happens when fluid-filled cysts grow in the kidneys. If they get too big, they can cause damage and may lead to kidney failure. The condition may bring on symptoms like back or side pain, a bigger belly, and bloody pee.
Tests a nephrologist might perform or order:
If you’re visiting a nephrologist, they may be involved in performing a variety of tests and procedures or interpreting the results.
Laboratory tests:
A wide range of tests can be used to assess the function of your kidneys. These tests are typically performed on either a blood or urine sample.
Blood tests:
- Glomerular filtration rate (GFR): This test measures how well your kidneys are filtering your blood. GFR begins to decrease below normal levels in kidney disease.
- Serum creatinine: Creatinine is a waste product and is present at higher levels in the blood of people with kidney dysfunction.
- Blood urea nitrogen (BUN): As with creatinine, finding high levels of this waste product in the blood is a sign of kidney dysfunction.
Urine tests:
- Urinalysis: This urine sample can be tested with a dipstick for pH as well as the presence of abnormal amounts of blood, glucose, protein, or bacteria.
- Albumin/creatinine ratio (ACR): This urine test measures the amount of the protein albumin in your urine. Albumin in the urine is a sign of kidney dysfunction.
- 24-hour urine collection: This method uses a special container to collect all of the urine that you produce during a 24-hour period. Further testing can be performed on this sample.
- Creatinine clearance: This is a measure of creatinine from both a blood sample and a 24-hour urine sample that’s used to calculate the amount of creatinine that’s exited the blood and moved to the urine.
The Takeaway Point:
A nephrologist is a type of doctor that specializes in diseases and conditions that affect the kidneys. They work to treat conditions such as chronic kidney disease, kidney infections, and kidney failure. Your primary care doctor will likely refer you to a nephrologist if you have a complex or advanced kidney condition that requires the care of a specialist.
Send Enquiry