What is a Paediatric Nephrologist?
Paediatric nephrologists diagnose and treat children with problems involving the kidneys, ureters and bladder.
They have training in paediatrics as well as nephrology, and care for children from birth through to late adolescence.
The main role of the kidneys is to filter the blood to remove toxins (which accumulate through normal bodily processes), and keep the electrolytes, water and acid levels in balance. The end result is the production of urine, which is drained and emptied through the ureters and bladder. The kidneys also produce hormones that help to control the blood pressure, maintain production of red blood cells and assist with bone growth and strength.
Medical problems involving the kidneys can present with high blood pressure, blood or protein in the urine, puffiness in the ankles and face, or kidney stone formation, as well as more general symptoms including fatigue, slow growth, reduced appetite and nausea. Dysfunction of the urinary tract (bladder and ureters) can lead to day and/or night wetting, and bladder and kidney infections.
