Private Renal Medicine at our Dublin and Galway Clinics
If you are experiencing problems with your kidneys, your GP may refer you to a consultant nephrologist. A nephrologist is a medical professional who specialises in diagnosing and treating conditions related to the kidneys.
Common reasons for referral to a nephrologist include:
Chronic kidney disease
Kidney infections
Kidney stones
High blood pressure
Nephrologists can also treat conditions such as electrolyte imbalances, urinary tract infections, and nephritis.
During your appointment with a nephrologist, they will conduct a thorough examination of your kidneys and develop a personalised treatment plan. Treatment may involve medications such as diuretics, blood pressure medications, or antibiotics, or procedures such as dialysis or kidney transplant.
It is important to take care of your kidney health and seek medical attention if you are experiencing any problems. With the right care and support from a nephrologist, it is possible to manage and treat many kidney conditions and improve your overall quality of life.
Some of our services are only available in select locations. Please check with your preferred location to confirm that the service you seek is offered there.
Renal Medicine at Blackrock Health
At Blackrock Health, we know that medical issues can be very challenging both emotionally and physically. Our team of specialists, including renal physicians, provides compassionate and supportive care to the people that we treat. We provide access without delay to cutting-edge diagnostic and medical technology. Our team will ensure that you receive the best possible care and treatment plan, tailored to your own needs. With decades of experience and expertise, we are committed to helping you. Working with us, we want you to achieve the most optimal outcome possible for your renal health. Whether you need routine care or more specialised treatment, we are here to support you every step of the way.
Renal medicine, also known as nephrology, is the treatment of conditions of the kidney. Your kidneys are like a filter for your body, filtering out waste, toxins, and extra water. When you have an issue with your kidneys, the waste in your body cannot go anywhere, leading to a build-up in your blood.
Our renal medicine experts offer full consultation, diagnostic services and advanced care alongside our dietitians and clinical teams.
Accessing our services
You can access Blackrock Health nephrology services easily with a referral from your GP and can then expect world-class clinical care and comfort. Over 75% of our hospital rooms are single occupancy, which can help you make a quicker recovery in a safe environment. We aim to provide you with the best possible outcome, and to restore your quality of life.
Our specialist team includes
Consultant nephrologists
Consultant urologists
Consultant surgeons
Dietitians
Learn more about our renal medicine services and book your visit.
Who we treat
Acute kidney injury
Acute kidney injury is rapid renal failure. This normally occurs within a few days, and it can occur when you have a condition that slows the blood flow to your kidney, or you have experienced direct damage to your kidneys.
Blood or protein in urine
Blood or protein in the urine is caused by kidney diseases. A test called urinalysis detects the issue.
Chronic kidney disease
Chronic kidney disease is another word for kidney failure, and it involves the gradual loss of function of the kidneys. It normally occurs when a different condition impairs the kidneys functioning, causing damage over time. Depending on the underlying issue, you may need a kidney transplant.
Chronic & recurrent kidney infections
A kidney infection is a type of urinary tract infection that occurs when bacteria enter through the urethra. Symptoms include pain when urinating, a lasting urge to urinate, back pain, cloudy urine, and a fever. Antibiotics normally get rid of a kidney infection, however if it should be checked out if it is reoccurring often.
Diabetic nephropathy
This is damage to your kidneys due to diabetes.
Electrolyte imbalance
Experiencing electrolyte imbalance may be a sign of kidney disease and is important to get it checked out.
High blood pressure
High blood pressure can cause kidney damage and kidney disease, as it can narrow the blood vessels, which in turn reduces the blood flow- to the kidneys.
Kidney stones
Kidney stones are built up crystals from waste products that form a hard lump. Most of the time, they can pass through themselves, however, if the larger crystals can cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, severe pain that comes and goes and vomiting.
Symptoms of Kidney issues
Tiredness and weakness.
Darker urine.
Joint swelling.
Puffy eyes.
Frequent need to urinate.
Loss of appetite.
Muscle cramps.
Treatment
Treatment of kidney disease depends on the underlying cause, severity of the condition, and individual patient factors. Here are some common treatment approaches for kidney disease:
Lifestyle modifications.
Medications.
Dialysis.
Kidney transplantation.
Treatment of underlying conditions.
What to expect
Once we've received your referral, we'll be in contact to arrange your first consultation.
Your consultant may refer you for more tests. This might include blood tests, renal function tests or radiology scans.
Once we have your diagnosis, your consultant will discuss the best course of treatment for you.
Should your treatment require, we provide daycase and inpatient services for infusion or more sustained treatments. Our surgical team also provide a full range of procedures.
FAQs about Renal medicine
At Blackrock Health private hospitals in Dublin and Galway, we understand that a visit to our renal medicine clinic can be a stressful experience.
To help ease your concerns and provide clear information, we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions specific to our renal medicine services. Our goal is to care for our patients and to make your visit as smooth and reassuring as possible.
What are the functions of the kidneys?
The kidneys play essential roles in maintaining overall health by filtering waste products and excess fluids from the blood, regulating electrolyte balance, controlling blood pressure, producing hormones that stimulate red blood cell production and regulate calcium metabolism, and balancing the body's pH levels.
What are some common kidney diseases and conditions?
Common kidney diseases and conditions include chronic kidney disease (CKD), acute kidney injury (AKI), kidney stones, urinary tract infections (UTIs), polycystic kidney disease (PKD), glomerulonephritis, diabetic nephropathy, and nephrotic syndrome.
What are the risk factors for kidney disease?
Risk factors for kidney disease include diabetes, high blood pressure (hypertension), obesity, smoking, older age, family history of kidney disease, heart disease, autoimmune diseases, certain medications, and exposure to toxins or heavy metals.
How is kidney disease diagnosed?
Kidney disease is diagnosed through a combination of medical history, physical examination, laboratory tests (such as blood tests, urine tests, and imaging studies), and sometimes kidney biopsy. These tests help assess kidney function, identify the underlying cause of the disease, and determine the appropriate treatment plan.
What can I do to keep my kidneys healthy?
To maintain kidney health, it's essential to adopt a healthy lifestyle, including eating a balanced diet low in sodium and processed foods, staying hydrated, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding tobacco products, limiting alcohol consumption, managing chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, and avoiding overuse of medications that can harm the kidneys.
When should I see a nephrologist?
You should consider seeing a nephrologist if you experience symptoms of kidney disease, have risk factors for kidney disease, or have been diagnosed with a kidney-related condition. Nephrologists specialize in evaluating and managing kidney disorders and can provide personalized treatment and care.
How do I get this?
You will need a referral letter from your GP or consultant before you make an appointment.
Is this insured?
Not all services are covered by health insurance. To find out if you're covered, please check your health insurance before your visit. You can do this on our health insurance cover check page, or by contacting your health insurer.
How do I pay?
If you do not have health insurance or your health plan does not cover the full cost, you will need to pay the balance due before your treatment or procedure. You may be able to claim back some fees on your insurance. To pay an excess not covered by your insurance or any other inpatient fees, please visit our payment page. If you have any queries about paying for your care, please contact the finance team in your hospital.
