A pediatric nephrologist is a medical specialist who focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of diseases that affect the urinary system of children and adolescents; this specialty is vital for preserving pediatric patients’ kidney health and preventing complications that impact both quality of life and development.
What is a nephrologist?
In general, a nephrologist is a physician who specializes in the treatment of kidney diseases. Pediatric nephrologists also possess knowledge of the physiological and anatomical particularities of pediatric patients.
They work in close collaboration with other pediatric specialists such as pediatric urologists, pediatric endocrinologists, or pediatric geneticists, which helps provide multidisciplinary care.
What does a pediatric nephrologist do
The role of pediatric nephrologists goes beyond the diagnosis and treatment of kidney diseases. They also play a crucial role in the prevention, early detection, and long-term management of conditions that may affect children’s and adolescents’ kidneys.
Some aspects covered by pediatric nephrology include:
- Diagnosis and treatment: identifying kidney problems through kidney function tests, blood and urine tests, renal ultrasounds, or kidney biopsies.
- Blood pressure control: although hypertension is uncommon in the pediatric population compared to adults, its development may be associated with underlying kidney disease.
- Management of chronic diseases: there are various chronic conditions, such as chronic kidney disease, that require long-term follow-up.
- Treatment of specific syndromes: for nephrotic syndrome and other types, the pediatric nephrologist determines the most appropriate treatment.
- Emotional and educational support: certain kidney diseases can have a devastating impact on pediatric patients and their families. In these cases, the pediatric nephrologist not only acts as a physician but also serves as an educator to help patients understand the disease and how it can be managed.
When to see a pediatric nephrologist
Identifying the appropriate time to take a child to a pediatric nephrologist can significantly improve the patient’s long-term kidney health. Kidney diseases may not present obvious symptoms in their early stages, but certain signs can alert parents.
Among the main warning signs are recurrent urinary tract infections; swelling of the eyelids, hands, or feet; dark-colored urine or blood in the urine; decreased urine output or difficulty urinating; high blood pressure; and pain or burning during urination.
Additionally, there are specific circumstances in which seeking an evaluation by a pediatric nephrologist is recommended.
This includes children with a family history of kidney disease, premature infants who have a higher risk of developing kidney malformations, and patients with genetic syndromes associated with kidney problems.
Children with conditions such as Alport syndrome or Down syndrome are also recommended to receive follow-up care from a specialist.
The pediatric nephrologist plays a crucial role in protecting kidney health in children and adolescents. It is important to remain attentive to symptoms and warning signs to identify the right moment to seek an early consultation, which can help manage kidney disease.
Pediatric nephrologist near me
At the ABC Medical Center’s Pediatrics Center, we have a team of pediatric nephrology specialists who are highly trained and dedicated to providing comprehensive, personalized care for all your nephrology needs.
Our pediatric nephrologists in Mexico City (CDMX) are committed to your well-being and use the latest technology and the most advanced treatments to manage conditions such as chronic kidney disease, urinary tract infections, nephrotic syndrome, and more.
Fuente:
Healthy Children, Cigna, Medline Plus
