Nephrologist
Nephrologists are specialists who specialize in diagnosing and treating diseases related to the kidney. They are trained to mange kidney disorders too. Pediatric nephrologists treat the same conditions in infants, children, and young adults. Nephrologists should complete medical school and then complete three years in internal medicine and further specialize for two years in the field of nephrology. Pediatric nephrologists have to further take special certification to qualify as pediatric nephrologists. Nephrologists also termed as renal physicians treat diseases related to the kidney, any malfunctioning in the kidney can affect other organs of the body.
- Conditions that can lead to kidney disorders such as hypertension and diabetes mellitus.
- Check the functioning of the kidney.
- They treat polycystic kidney diseases.
- Prescribe medications for kidney disorders.
- Support kidney transplantation.
- Treat patients who have kidney failure also called as renal failure / uremia.
- Treat patients with kidney stones.
- Removes sample from the tissues of the kidney for biopsy purposes.
Paget's Disease
Paget’s disease is named after James Paget, the doctor who first described the disease. It affects bones, mostly of the spine, thigh, shin or pelvis. This disease affects the process of breaking down and rebuilding of bones. Since new bones are built at a faster rate, there is likelihood of fractures and deformities. Consequently there is destruction of bone since the new bone that is formed is weak and porous. As a result, these bones are likely to bend easily and break. Paget's disease also leads to additional blood vessels (hypervascularity in the affected area. This condition affecting the bones is more likely to affect men and people over 40. Paget's disease is also known as osteitis deformans. Over time, Paget's disease can lead to osteoarthritis, kidney stones and heart disease. In rare cases, severe Paget's disease has been associated with heart failure or cancer.
The symptoms of Paget's Disease include pain and deep ache in the affected bones. The patient is likely to experience bone deformity or fracture in the affected area. There may be damage to the cartilage lining of the joints near the affected ones leading to osteoarthritis. Persons suffering from Paget's disease may suffer pain from nerve compression due to the pressure from bones. A person suffering from Paget's disease is likely to suffer elevated alkaline phosphate levels in the blood. There might be bone abnormalities such as enlargement, reabsorption and bowing.
Bone scans aid diagnosis of Paget's disease. Bone scintiscan can help detect the bones that have been affected. X-rays and blood test to check blood serum alkaline phosphatase can help in the diagnosis of Paget's disease. Treatment for Paget's disease is based on the extent of the disease, location of the affected bones and the medical history of the patient. Physical therapy and medication to inhibit abnormal bone reabsorption are prescribed. Bisphosphonates can reduce the activity of Paget's disease and are often prescribed for a period of 2 - 6 months. NSAIDs are given to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. Surgery to realign affected bones or joint replacement are resorted to in cases where the joints are severely damaged or deformed.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D strengthens the bones and also helps the body absorb calcium, essential for bone building. Vitamin D is found in some foods and is synthesized from UV rays of sunlight. It promotes calcium absorption and cell growth, neuromusclular and immune functions. Those who do not have adequate exposure to sunlight might suffer Vitamin D deficiency leads to osteoporosis in adults or rickets in children. Excessive levels of Vitamin D can lead to higher calcium levels that can lead to vomiting and kidney stones. Egg yolks, fish oils and fortified foods like milk contain Vitamin D.
Bibliography / Reference
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