nephrology is area of medical specialization which aims diagnose and treat kidney and urinary system diseases.
Regarding the etymology of this word, it comes from the Greek, where nephros means "kidney" and logy means "treatment".
A doctor specializing in nephrology is known as nephrologist, and is not concerned with diseases that occur exclusively in the kidneys, but also with conditions and diseases such as high blood pressure and diabetes, which can damage the kidneys.
Many diseases and problems addressed by nephrology occur in the nephron, the anatomical and functional unit of the kidney. These diseases or adverse conditions can be renal insufficiency, kidney stone, nephritis, urinary infections, arterial hypertension, peritoneal dialysis, etc. Some medications can also cause kidney damage. However, many situations like these can be avoided if the person visits a nephrologist.
THE hemodialysis It is a common treatment in the field of nephrology, which filters toxic substances from the blood, making it purer. Hemodialysis works like an "artificial kidney" because it performs the same function as a kidney.
In some circumstances, when the kidney fails to fulfill its function, a kidney transplant, where one kidney is replaced by another. The human being is born with two kidneys, but is able to live with only one. However, a person who has only one kidney must follow a healthy lifestyle, and comply with some indications, such as drinking plenty of water and avoiding excessively salty food, so as not to overload the your kidney.
As in all areas of medicine, prevention is of paramount importance. Thus, doctors recommend that people over 40 have an appointment with the nephrologist every year, to do some tests. Despite this, people who have some conditions (whether they are hypertensive, diabetic or have cases of kidney disease in their family history) should see a nephrologist more often.
In Brazil, to graduate as a specialist in Nephrology, an individual needs 10 years of study (6 years in the medical course, 2 as a resident or intern and another 2 as a resident or intern in nephrology).
See also the meaning of Oliguria.