What does a nephrologist do?

Many people in Mombasa first hear the word "nephrologist" when a doctor looks at a blood or urine result and suggests seeing a kidney specialist. This page explains what that specialist does, when referral usually happens, and how to prepare. Some people simply call this doctor a daktari wa figo, a kidney doctor.

What is nephrology?

Nephrology is the branch of medicine that deals with the kidneys. Your kidneys filter waste and extra water out of your blood to make urine. They also help control blood pressure, keep minerals such as potassium and sodium in balance, and support the making of red blood cells and healthy bones.

A nephrologist is usually a physician who first trained in internal medicine (the care of adults with medical conditions) and then completed further specialist training in kidney disease. Nephrologists mostly treat kidney conditions with tests, monitoring, medicines and lifestyle advice. They do not usually operate. Surgery on the kidneys and urinary tract is done by urologists and transplant surgeons.

What does a nephrologist treat?

Common reasons people see a nephrologist include:

• Chronic kidney disease (CKD): long-term reduced kidney function or kidney damage that has lasted more than 3 months. Doctors assess this using eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate, a blood-test estimate of how well the kidneys filter) and urine ACR (albumin-to-creatinine ratio, a measure of protein leaking into urine) together.
• Kidney disease linked to diabetes or high blood pressure, which are among the most common causes of CKD.
• Protein or blood in the urine that continues over time and may point to a problem with the kidney filters.
• Acute kidney injury: a sudden drop in kidney function, often during another illness.
• Inherited kidney conditions, such as polycystic kidney disease.
• Imbalances of salts and minerals, such as high potassium, that relate to kidney function.
• Kidney failure, including planning for and supervising dialysis, and care before and after a kidney transplant.

When might someone be referred?

Most people with early kidney changes are looked after by their usual doctor. Doctors commonly refer to a nephrologist when kidney function is low (for example, eGFR that stays below 30), when a lot of protein is leaking into the urine, when kidney function is falling quickly, or when the cause is unclear. Our page on when to see a nephrologist explains these reasons in plain language.

Nephrologist or general doctor?

A general practitioner (GP) or family doctor is often the right first step. They can order a creatinine test with eGFR, a urine ACR and a urinalysis, check your blood pressure and blood sugar, and review your medicines. An internal medicine physician can do the same and also manage more complex conditions such as diabetes with kidney changes.

A nephrologist adds specialist assessment when results are unclear, getting worse or at an advanced stage. Care often works well when it is shared: the nephrologist sets a plan, and your usual doctor helps with regular checks closer to home.

Nephrologist or urologist?

Both work with the kidneys, but in different ways. A nephrologist focuses on how the kidneys filter and on medical treatment. A urologist is a surgeon who treats problems of the urinary tract, such as kidney stones that block urine, prostate problems and bladder conditions. See nephrologist vs urologist for a side-by-side comparison.

What happens during a kidney consultation?

A first visit usually involves questions about your health, your medicines and your family history, a check of your blood pressure and any swelling, and a careful look at your previous results. You may be asked for new blood and urine tests or a kidney ultrasound. Read what happens at a kidney consultation for a step-by-step guide.

What records and tests should you bring?

• All previous kidney-related results, with the dates they were done. Include creatinine, eGFR, urine ACR, urinalysis and any ultrasound reports.
• A list of every medicine you take, including herbal remedies, supplements and painkillers bought over the counter.
• Blood pressure readings and, if you have diabetes, blood sugar records.
• Any referral letter or discharge summary from a hospital.

Many people in Mombasa get results from a laboratory or a hospital outpatient clinic and carry them between doctors. Keeping them together in one folder, in date order, makes a real difference to the consultation.

Find nephrology care in Mombasa

Nephrology services in Mombasa are offered through hospitals and specialist clinics. Our guide to kidney care in Mombasa explains the types of care available, and the verified provider directory lists providers whose details we have checked.

In this section

This page explains what kidney care involves in general terms. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace advice from a doctor who knows your history. Your results should be interpreted together with your symptoms, other tests and a clinical assessment. Medical disclaimer.