Nephrology (treatment for kidney disease)

Private treatment for kidney disease, kidney problems and related conditions

clinician performing ultrasound scan on patients kidneys

Nephrology is the medical specialism that focuses on treatment for your kidney function and any conditions that affect your kidneys. This is different to urology, which specialises in treating structural problems with your kidneys and urinary tract.

Nephrologists specialise in the diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management of acute and chronic kidney disease. They also support patients with other conditions that might damage their kidneys. Whether you have already been referred to a kidney specialist or are looking to investigate ongoing kidney problems, our team is ready and waiting to help you.

At Circle Health Group we offer fast access to expert care, our multidisciplinary nephrology teams are led by experienced consultants committed to compassionate care and clinical excellence. We develop a personalised treatment plan for every patient, because no two people are the same.

Call or book online today and you could have your initial consultation with a private nephrologist near you in as little as 48 hours.

The function of your kidneys

Your kidneys are a special filter in your body that help remove waste products from your blood to produce urine. As blood passes through your kidneys, they filter out waste products, toxins, and excess substances like water, which are then eliminated from your body as urine. They also help maintain a balance of water and various essential minerals, like sodium, potassium, and phosphate, in your blood. This is crucial for your body to function properly. Your kidneys have other important functions that help maintain your overall health, too, such as blood-pressure regulation and hormone production.

The health of your kidneys has a direct knock-on effect on the state of your overall health, so it's very important that you see a doctor if you suspect you're having kidney problems, or if your GP has discovered signs of kidney damage during a routine blood or urine test.

What is kidney disease?

Kidney disease is when your kidneys are not working properly, meaning they can't filter your blood properly. This damage can be caused by a variety of kidney conditions, the most common of which we'll discuss on this page.

Kidney disease is very common. The charity Kidney Research UK estimates that 10% or more of the population is affected by chronic kidney disease.

The symptoms of kidney problems are often subtle, non-specific, and may not appear until you are experiencing significant damage to your kidneys. They can include:

Swollen ankles and feet
Frothiness in your urine
Blood in your urine
Fatigue
Loss of appetite
Urinating either too much or too little
Shortness of breath

It is common for your GP to discover that something is wrong with your kidney functions through a routine blood or urine test. You might not have symptoms at this stage, but you will still need to be referred to a nephrologist for further investigation and to get the right treatment for your condition. Your consultant will take the time to perform diagnostic tests to get to the root of your concern and build a personalised treatment plan to suit your needs.

How high blood pressure affects the kidneys

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a common condition that occurs when the force of blood against your artery walls is high enough to cause health problems, such as heart disease. Blood pressure is determined by the amount of blood your heart pumps and the resistance to blood flow in your arteries. The more blood your heart pumps and the narrower your arteries, the higher your blood pressure.

If the blood vessels leading to and within your kidneys are affected by high blood pressure, not enough blood reaches the cells of your kidneys. This means they don't get enough oxygen and nutrients, leading to scarring of the kidney tissue and kidney damage.

Protein in your urine

If you have protein in your urine, you might be referred to a nephrologist. Normally, your kidneys filter waste from your blood while keeping components your body can reuse, like proteins, inside. When these filters are damaged, protein can leak into your urine. Usually there are no symptoms associated with protein in your urine, but it is a sign that your kidneys are not functioning properly.

There are many types of kidney disease, ranging from infections to chronic failure. Some of the conditions our nephrologists treat include:

Polycystic kidney disease

Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a genetic disorder characterised by the growth of numerous cysts in your kidneys. These are filled with fluid and can lead to enlarged kidneys, disrupting their function over time. These growths can continue to grow and crowd out and damage your normal kidney tissue, making it harder for your kidneys to do their job.

Chronic kidney disease

Also known as chronic kidney failure, this happens when you experience a loss of function to your kidneys over time (for at least three months). This means your kidneys are not fulfilling their role of removing waste products and extra water from your body, helping make red blood cells, balancing minerals in your body, maintaining your blood pressure, and keeping your bones healthy. This is a slow process that starts with no symptoms but can lead to significant symptoms if left untreated.

There are five stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD), with stage five being the more advanced. People with CKD experience many symptoms, including tiredness, swollen ankles, shortness of breath, and feeling sick. It has many causes, such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and blockages in the flow of your urine, for example kidney stones that keep coming back.

Acute kidney disease

Another more serious type of kidney disease is acute kidney injury, also known as acute kidney failure, which is a sudden and recent reduction in the level of your kidney function. Acute kidney injury is a medical emergency and it can be potentially reversible if treated early. Symptoms of acute kidney disease include feeling sick, dehydration, drowsiness and confusion, and peeing less than usual. An acute kidney injury can be caused by infection, medication, and diabetes.

When you meet your nephrologist for the first time, they will ask questions about your medical history, perform a physical examination including a blood pressure check, and a range of diagnostic tests that can help diagnose kidney problems. These include:

Blood tests that directly assess your kidney function
Blood tests that look for immune system problems that may cause kidney disease
Urine tests for blood, protein and other substances that may indicate a kidney problem
A diagnostic ultrasound and other imaging studies that may assess kidney structure and function

At Circle Health Group, we have advanced diagnostic imaging equipment such as ultrasound, MRI and CT scanning, and X-Rays to assess your internal structures and uncover the cause of your symptoms.

When your consultant has determined the cause of your concern, they will build a treatment plan to help monitor your kidney function and manage your symptoms. A treatment plans looks different for everyone and depends on your individual circumstances and reason for having treatment – but rest assured, the plan is tailored entirely to you.

Private kidney disease treatment spans everything from preventative medication and lifestyle changes, through to dialysis or a kidney transplant.

Preventative nephrology

Following a diagnosis of kidney disease, much of the focus of your treatment plan will relate to protecting your kidney function and overall health for the future. People with kidney disease might be more seriously affected by certain conditions, which can exacerbate kidney problems.

Preventative nephrology looks at controlling your blood pressure, using medications that lowers your risk of developing kidney disease, and helping to minimise some of the additional stressors to your kidney function such as diabetes, infections, immune conditions and medications. Medication is often used to treat conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol.

You will also be asked to make lifestyle changes, such as stopping smoking, reducing your alcohol intake, and perhaps losing weight.

Medicines for kidney disease

There are a variety of medications that can be used to treat and manage kidney problems. For example, you might be offered medications that support kidney function, along with those that control your blood pressure, and statins to reduce your cholesterol levels.

Your consultant will choose a course of medication specific to you, based on your individual circumstances, symptoms and needs.

Dialysis

Dialysis removes waste and excess fluid from your blood when your kidneys are no longer able to. There are two main types of dialysis: haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.

Haemodialysis involves circulating your blood outside of your body through an external filter called a dialyzer, which is sometimes called a dialysis machine. This process filters wastes, salts and fluid from your blood before it's returned to your body.

Peritoneal dialysis uses the lining of the abdominal cavity as a natural filter. A cleansing solution is introduced into the abdomen through a catheter, which absorbs waste products and is then removed.

Kidney transplantation

Dialysis is a treatment for when your kidneys have failed, and you will need to have this treatment for the rest of your life. The only alternative is a kidney transplant, which is an operation to replace your damaged kidney with a healthy kidney from a donor.

If you would like an experienced specialist to help you manage your kidney problems and guide you to the best kidney disease treatments for your personal circumstances, get in touch today to arrange an initial consultation.

Your consultant will take the time to get to know you, your symptoms and medical history, and what you are hoping to get from treatment. Together you'll decide on a course of treatment that's tailored to you.

When you choose to go private with Circle Health Group, you can expect:

Flexible appointment times and locations to fit your routine
The freedom to choose which hospital and consultant suit your needs
Personalised, consultant-led treatment plans tailored to your individual needs
Comfortable and safe private facilities maintained by expert multidisciplinary teams
Private ensuite rooms as standard and delicious healthy meals
Affordable, fixed-price packages with aftercare included
Flexible payment options to help you spread the cost of your care

If you would like to learn more about nephrology or kidney disease treatment, book your appointment online today or call a member of our team directly.