Nephrology Services | Expert Kidney Specialists for CKD & Kidney Care
Nephrology is a specialised branch of internal medicine that focuses on kidney health and diseases.
Nephrologists or kidney specialists diagnose and treat conditions like chronic kidney diseases, kidney stones
hypertension and kidney failure.
Treatment Options for Kidney Conditions and Diseases
Dialysis is commonly used when chronic kidney disease has reached
an advanced stage or kidney failure occurs. In this treatment, a machine will be used to replicate the
functions of the kidney.
Some medication may help treat any underlying causes such as
diabetes or hypertension, thus helping to relieve your symptoms and slow the progression of chronic
kidney disease or kidney failure.
To ensure optimal health of you and your kidneys, lifestyle
changes, including a balanced diet and exercise, may be recommended to help control and relieve any
symptoms.
Kidney Screenings
Kidney screenings are essential for individuals at high risk of kidney diseases, such as those with diabetes, high
blood pressure or a family history of kidney problems are advised to undergo regular screening tests. When diagnosed
at an early stage, options for early treatment often have a positive outcome before any symptoms become noticeable
and the progression of the disease may also be slowed.
Kidney screenings at Gleneagles Hospital Penang offer modern comfort, with a dedicated team of nephrology specialists
and healthcare professionals. Once your test results are confirmed, your chosen kidney doctor will discuss them with
you personally to ensure you receive the best advice and path to managing kidney disease, including chronic kidney
disease and kidney failure.
Impaired kidney function is usually detected through an increase
in blood creatinine levels.
Protein found in the urine tends to highlight issues with the
kidney's filtration capacity.
Renal dysfunction (an early sign of renal failure) is usually
highlighted by an increase in blood pressure.
Nephrology Treatment Facilities at Gleneagles Hospital Penang
We are looking forward to welcoming you to quality medical care here at Gleneagles Hospital Penang.
We offer the highest quality medical care, utilising sophisticated diagnostic tools and recovery techniques tailored
to your specific condition.
Gleneagles Hospital Penang is equipped with state-of-the-art imaging technology as well as a wide range of other
diagnostic instruments essential for the diagnosis and management of chronic kidney disease, kidney stones, and
kidney failure.
Maintaining good kidney health is vital for preventing the onset of symptoms of kidney impairment. Lifestyle changes
and early intervention are crucial for managing conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and kidney disease.
Contact our dedicated multidisciplinary team of nephrological specialists and healthcare professionals for further
assistance.
To find out more about our nephrology services, please visit Gleneagles Hospital Penang.
Kidney Conditions and Symptoms
Fluid and electrolyte imbalances are common symptoms of kidney disease and often
develop in those who experience prolonged bouts of vomiting, diarrhea, and in those who already have
chronic kidney disease.
Depending on the type of electrolyte that is imbalanced, symptoms can include fluid retention,
swelling as well as pain in the face and limbs along with dehydration, thirst, weakness,
lightheadedness and fainting.
Glomerulonephritis occurs when blood vessels in the kidneys become inflamed, causing blood to be
filtered inefficiently. The acute form of this condition can result from an infection such as strep
throat or lupus. The chronic type is often hereditary.
The most common symptom is presence of protein or blood in the urine, while other symptoms include
puffiness of the face and a decreased urine output.
Diabetic nephropathy is a chronic condition resulting from diabetes that causes progressive loss of
kidney function, often leading to kidney failure.
The most common symptom of diabetic nephropathy includes protein in the urine, while other symptoms
highlight blood pressure, increased need for urination as well as swelling of the ankles.
Polycystic kidney disease is a genetic condition that tends to cause growth of cysts in the kidneys,
PKD can develop in both children and young adults, especially if they have a family history of PKD.
The most common symptom of polycystic kidney disease that tends to show is high blood pressure, while
other symptoms highlight urinary tract infections, kidney stones, bloody urine as well as lower back
pain.
Chronic kidney disease can progress to end-stage renal disease,
where symptoms may include swelling of the face and limbs, vomiting, fatigue, unbearable itching, poor
appetite, pale skin, bad breath, urinary tract infections as well as urinary incontinence.
Renal cell carcinoma is the most common kidney cancer type in adults, this condition tends to develop
between ages 50 to 70 years.
The initial stages often show no noticeable symptoms, however symptoms occur as the cancer begins to
grow in size and depth and tend to include bloody urine, lower back pains, noticeable lump in the
kidney area, weight loss as well as fatigue.
Proteinuria, or protein in the urine, is commonly developing in those with diabetes and/or high blood
pressure, this condition can be an indicator of kidney disease when protein is found present in the
urine.
Other proteinuria symptoms may include foamy urine as well as puffiness and/or swelling of the face
and/or limbs as fluid is being retained.
Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a sudden and temporary loss of kidney function. Acute kidney injury
often develops in those who are elderly, sick and possibly in the hospital, though anyone is still
susceptible.
The most common symptom of AKI is a reduction in urine production, while others highlight swelling in
the legs, ankles or feet, fatigue, breathlessness, confusion, nausea and chest pains.
How Kidney Conditions are Diagnosed
An ultrasound uses sound waves to create visual images for kidney
specialists to examine the physical condition of your kidney and detect any abnormalities related to
kidney disease.
A kidney biopsy involves extracting cells from the kidney
to thoroughly examine its condition. It helps diagnose kidney diseases like glomerulonephritis or diabetic
kidney disease, providing valuable information about kidney function and damage.
Family history plays a crucial role in diagnosing kidney
diseases. Kidney conditions can be hereditary, so reference to family history for genetic predispositions
are often scrutinised.
Blood and urine tests are essential for identifying kidney
conditions. To identify any abnormalities related to renal function, the filtration rate will often be
analysed and the presence of protein in urine is often taken into consideration.
Test Results and Stages of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
Your test results are essential in determining the extent of kidney damage and the stage of chronic kidney disease
(CKD). These results help your nephrologist decide on the most appropriate treatment plan and determine how
frequently you should have follow-up tests to monitor your kidney function.
eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate)
Your eGFR result is a key indicator of kidney function and is used
to classify CKD into one of five stages:
- Stage 1 (G1) – eGFR above 90ml/min, but there are signs of kidney damage detected in other tests.
- Stage 2 (G2) – eGFR between 60 to 89ml/min, with other indicators of kidney damage.
- Stage 3a (G3a) – eGFR between 45 to 59ml/min, indicating moderate kidney damage.
- Stage 3b (G3b) – eGFR between 30 to 44ml/min, signifying more advanced kidney disease.
- Stage 4 (G4) – eGFR between 15 to 29ml/min, indicating severe kidney dysfunction.
- Stage 5 (G5) – eGFR below 15ml/min, which means kidney failure, with the kidneys losing almost all of
their function.
ACR (Albumin-to-Creatinine Ratio)
Your ACR result helps assess the amount of protein in your urine, which is
another sign of kidney damage. The stages for ACR are as follows:
- A1 – ACR of less than 3mg/mmol, indicating normal levels of protein.
- A2 – ACR between 3 to 30mg/mmol, indicating moderate proteinuria.
- A3 – ACR of more than 30mg/mmol, suggesting severe proteinuria, which often indicates advanced kidney
disease.
For both eGFR and ACR, higher stages correlate with more severe kidney damage, which can help your doctor determine
the appropriate course of treatment for kidney disease management.
Prevention of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
While CKD cannot always be prevented, there are several steps you can take to reduce the risk of developing the
condition:
- Manage Underlying Conditions
Proper management of chronic conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure
is essential. Follow your doctor’s advice, take prescribed medications, and attend regular
check-ups.
- Quit Smoking
Smoking increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases, which are linked to a higher risk of
CKD. Quitting smoking improves overall health and reduces your risk of heart disease and CKD.
- Healthy Diet
A balanced diet helps control blood pressure and cholesterol, reducing the risk of kidney
disease. Focus on eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, while limiting salt,
sugar, and saturated fats.
- Limit Alcohol Intake
Excessive alcohol consumption can raise blood pressure and cholesterol, increasing
the risk of CKD. It’s advised to stick to no more than 14 alcohol units per week and spread drinking over
several days.
- Exercise Regularly
Regular physical activity can help lower blood pressure and reduce CKD risk. Aim for at
least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise each week, along with strength exercises on two or more
days.
- Be Cautious with Painkillers
Overuse of painkillers like ibuprofen or aspirin can harm the kidneys. Follow
the instructions carefully if you need to take pain medication.
Get Expert Kidney Care at Gleneagles Hospital Penang
At Gleneagles Hospital Penang, we are committed to providing expert nephrology services to help you manage and
prevent kidney conditions. With advanced diagnostic tools and a team of dedicated nephrologists, we ensure you
receive the best care tailored to your needs. Whether you are at risk for kidney disease or need treatment for an
existing condition, our comprehensive services are designed to support your kidney health every step of the way. Schedule your consultation today and take the first step
towards better kidney health.
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