Nephrology is a field within internal medicine which specializes on the kidneys. It focuses on both diagnosing and treating diseases within the organ. Nephrologists assist with increasingly complex disorders in the kidneys that cannot be treated with a general practitioner. The title of “nephrologist” is taken from the Greek terms “nephros” and “ologist,” which together mean one who studies kidneys.
Kidneys are bean-shaped and located in the upper abdomen on each side of the body. The right kidney is slightly higher than the other, as it needs to make room for the liver.
The kidneys filter over 100 quarts of blood each day to create urine, which consists of excess fluid and waste. Kidneys also have the important task of assisting in the production of hormones.