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Nephrology is a medical specialty that deals with the health of the kidneys and their function. Nephrology in the Philippines is growing due to the increasing incidence of chronic kidney diseases (CKD) and renal failure. Renal specialists are in high demand, as there is a growing trend of patients with these conditions seeking treatment in the country.
Pediatric Nephrology Society of the Philippines and the Philippines Society of Nephrology are championing kidney research, diagnostics, and treatment which compose of many internal medicine doctors. This is to increase awareness about nephrology among Filipinos, as well as to provide support for patients with kidney diseases.
Nephrology services are currently available at various hospitals and clinics throughout the country. However, there are only 700-900 Nephrologists in the Philippines serving millions of patients in the country. There is a significant need for more Nephrologists in the Philippines as the population grows and ages. The goal is not to scare our readers, but to provide Filipinos with information on nephrology so that they can better understand and care for their own health.
This article provides an overview of Nephrology in the Philippines and includes information on critical diseases and treatments affecting kidney function.
What is Nephrology?
Nephrology is the study of the kidney and its functions.
It includes the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the kidney, as well as the research into their causes and treatments.
What is a Nephrologist?
A nephrologist is a physician who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of kidney diseases.
They may also work in other areas of medicine related to the body’s kidneys, such as endocrinology and urology.
When Should a Patient See a Nephrologist?
A Nephrologist should be consulted when a patient (Filipino or expatriate) has symptoms that suggest a kidney problem, such as:
- Severe pain in the back or side of the ribcage
- Blood in the urine or feces
- Unexplained weight loss
- Frequent urination, especially at night
Nephrologist vs. Urologists: What is the Difference?
Nephrologists are medical doctors who specialize in diagnosing and treating kidney diseases.
Urologists, on the other hand, are medical doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of urinary tract diseases.
The main difference between nephrologists and urologists is that nephrologists focus more on kidney disease while urologists focus more on urinary tract disease.
Two Types of Nephrology
Adult Nephrology
Adult Nephrology is the branch of medicine that deals with the medical care of patients with renal diseases, including renal failure and nephritis in adults.
Nephrology also includes the study of kidney diseases and their causes, as well as the treatment and prevention of these diseases.
Pediatric Nephrology
Pediatric nephrology is the branch of medicine that deals with the health of the kidneys and urinary system in children. It is a highly specialized field, and pediatric nephrologists are experts in diagnosing and treating kidney diseases in children.
They also help ensure that children receive the best possible care for their kidney health.
Nephrology Categories: General and Specialized
General nephrology deals with the overall health of the kidneys and their function. Specialized nephrology focuses on specific diseases or disorders of the kidneys.
Common Types of Kidney Diseases
There are many different types of kidney diseases. Some of the most common include:
Nephritis
Nephritis (Nephrotic Syndrome) is a condition that affects the kidneys.
It can be caused by a number of factors, including infection, autoimmune disease, and cancer.
Acute renal failure
Acute renal failure (ARF) is a medical emergency that can occur when the kidneys can no longer keep up with the demands of the body.
ARF is most commonly caused by an infection, a high fever, or a severe injury to the kidney.
Symptoms of ARF include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and fatigue. If untreated, ARF can lead to permanent kidney damage or death.
Chronic renal failure
Chronic renal failure (CRF) is a condition in which the kidneys can no longer keep up with the body’s needs for water and nutrients.
CRF can develop gradually over time or be sudden and severe. The most common cause of CRF is an age-related decline in kidney function.
Other causes include injury, infection, and certain diseases.
Renal insufficiency
Renal insufficiency is a medical condition where the kidneys do not function properly. This can lead to serious health problems, including renal failure and death. Renal insufficiency is most common in older adults, but it can also occur in children and young adults.
Renal insufficiency can be caused by many different things, including age, injury, disease, and alcoholism.
Glomerulonephritis
Glomerulonephritis is a condition that affects the kidneys.
It is a type of kidney disease that causes inflammation and damage to the filtering system in the kidney.
Glomerulonephritis can be very serious and lead to renal failure if not treated promptly.
Renal & Urologic Disorders Among Filipino Children
Below are some of the common renal and urologic disorders among Filipino Children from 1995 to 2020. Data provided by Pediatric Nephrology Society of the Philippines.
- Acute Post-infectious Glomerulonephritis
- Acute Kidney Injury
- Primary Nephrotic Syndrome
- Chronic Kidney Disease
- Complicated & Uncomplicated UTI
- Bladder Dysfunction
- Secondary Glomerulonephritis
- Hypertension
- Renal Tubular Disease
- IgA Nephropathy
- Congenital & Inherited Diseases
- Tumors + Tumor Lysis Syndrome
- Urolithiasis
What are the Symptoms of Kidney Diseases?
There are many types of kidney diseases, and each one can cause different symptoms. Some common symptoms of kidney diseases include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite or increased hunger
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Pain in the lower back, flank, or abdomen
What are the Common Treatments for Kidney Diseases?
There are a variety of treatments that can be used to treat kidney diseases. The most common treatments are dialysis and transplantation.
Dialysis is a process that uses machines to clean the blood of toxins and waste products. This process helps people with kidney diseases stay alive by removing the build-up of toxins in their bodies.
Transplantation is when a person’s organs, such as their kidneys, are donated to someone else. This is the best option for people who have kidney disease because it allows them to live without their kidneys if they need to.
What Causes Kidney Diseases?
There are many causes of kidney diseases. Some of the most common causes include:
- Diabetes
- Hypertension
- Heavy drinking
- Obesity
- Genetic disorder
- Infection
- Drugs that are toxic to the kidneys
- Lupus
- IgA glomerulonephritis
- Anti-GBM (Goodpasture’s) disease
- Lead poisoning
- Rare genetic conditions
- Hemolytic uremic syndrome in children
- IgA vasculitis
- Renal artery stenosis
Nephrology in the Philippines: What to Expect When You Visit a Nephrologist?
When you visit a nephrologist, you can expect to undergo a physical exam, including a urinalysis and blood tests. Depending on the condition being treated, your nephrologist may also prescribe medications. In some cases, surgery may be required.
Hospitals, Clinics, and Doctors of Nephrology in the Philippines
Here are some of the hospitals, clinics, and doctors on nephrology in the Philippines
- You can find a comprehensive list of nephrologists from the Philippine Society of Nephrology
- National Kidney and Transplant Institute
- Cardinal Santos Medical Center
- Makati Medical Center
- Asian Hospital and Medical Center
- The Medical City
- St. Luke’s Medical Center
- Olivarez General Hospital
- Nephro Group Dialysis Centers
- Chong Hua Hospital
- Philippine Children’s Medical Center
- Global Nephro Training Center
- Fatima Medical Center
- Unihealth – Baypointe Hospital and Medical Center
- Villaflor Hospital
- Metropolitan Medical Center
Organizations: Nephrology in the Philippines
Latest Treatments and Technologies in Nephrology in the Philippines
Nephrology has seen several recent technological advances that have improved the quality of life for patients with kidney disease and their families. These include the use of new drugs and treatments, as well as the development of more accurate and efficient diagnostic techniques.
The latest treatments and technologies in nephrology include transplantation, gene therapy, and new medications. Transplantation is the most common treatment for kidney failure, and it has become increasingly popular in recent years. Gene therapy is a type of treatment that uses genes to cure or treat diseases. New medications are developing all the time to help treat kidney failure.
The Future of Nephrology in the Philippines
Nephrology is a rapidly growing specialty in the Philippines. As the population ages and more people are diagnosed with kidney disease, Nephrology is poised to play an even larger role in healthcare in the future. Nephrology specialists are trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of kidney diseases, and they work together with other healthcare providers to provide patients with the best possible care.
As the population ages and more people are diagnosed with kidney disease, Nephrology is poised to play an even larger role in healthcare in the future.
There is a need for more nephrologists, and the specialty is expected to grow even more in the next decade. Nephrology in the Philippines has a bright future as it provides important care for patients with kidney disease and other renal system disorders.
Nephrology in the Philippines, We Need More Nephrologists
Nephrology in the Philippines is a growing and thriving field, with many opportunities for medical professionals. With the increasing demand for healthcare, Nephrology is a vital field to pursue. The country lags a strong pool of internal medicine doctors as it only have around 700-900 Nephrologists serving millions. However, the medical infrastructure such as hospitals is well-equipped with the latest technologies to provide quality healthcare.
There are numerous hospitals and clinics that offer Nephrology services, which is great news for patients who need access to quality care.
There are many opportunities for Nephrology professionals in the country, and the field will grow rapidly in the future.
