What are the most common types of conditions that nephrologists treat?
Nephrologists often treat the following conditions: polycystic kidney disease, glomerulonephritis, nephrotic syndrome, acute kidney injury, and problems resulting from diabetes and hypertension that impact kidney function.
What is the difference between a screening test and a diagnostic test?
A screening test detects health issues early, like mammograms for breast cancer or cholesterol tests for heart disease. A diagnostic test confirms or excludes a disease in symptomatic individuals, such as biopsies for cancer or MRI scans for brain tumours. Lab services in Kochi offer screening and diagnostic tests.
When should I consider seeing a gastroenterologist?
If you experience persistent digestive symptoms such as chronic abdominal pain, frequent bloating, or persistent heartburn, you should consider seeing a gastroenterologist. They can diagnose and treat conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), ensuring you receive comprehensive care tailored to your needs.
Can a blood test detect other specific conditions like heart, liver, or kidney problems?
Yes, blood tests can detect heart, liver, and kidney conditions. They measure cholesterol, triglycerides, and cardiac enzymes like troponin for heart problems. Liver function tests (LFTs) measure enzymes like ALT, AST, and bilirubin for liver health. Kidney function tests measure creatinine and BUN levels.
Can cancer be detected with a blood test?
Blood tests detect cancer by identifying abnormal protein or cell levels, like PSA for prostate cancer or CA-125 for ovarian cancer, and through CBCs that detect abnormal blood cells. However, they can't confirm cancer alone and are part of a larger diagnostic process with imaging and biopsies.
How should I prepare for my first visit to a dermatologist?
For your first visit to the dermatologist in Areekode, you need to carry your previous medical records, write all your questions, carry all your medications and products you are using, and wear loose clothes. Remember to stay calm and be attentive to the instructions of the doctor.
What does a routine blood test check for? What does routine lab work include?
Routine blood tests check health indicators like blood cells, electrolytes, and kidney and liver function by measuring cell counts, glucose, and enzyme levels. Routine lab work includes CBC, blood sugar, cholesterol, kidney and liver function tests, urine tests, BMP, CMP, thyroid function tests, and infection screenings.
What advancements or technologies are utilised by dermatologists?
Dermatologists in Areekode at Aster use modern medical tools for surgical and therapy treatment purposes, such as dermoscopes, laser surgery tools, vivascopes, spectroscopes, biopsy testing facilities, dermapens, light therapy machines, and Co2 laser machines. These facilities allow dermatologists to offer specialised treatment for various skin conditions.
How is a urine sample collected?
Collecting a urine sample is easy. You get a cup and instructions from the healthcare provider. After cleaning, you pee into the toilet and the cup midstream without touching it. Seal it and return it. This ensures a clean sample for accurate testing.
What is the role of a dermatologist in a patient's treatment?
Dermatologists are essential in assisting patients in obtaining and preserving good skin and strong hair. They check symptoms and offer diagnoses according to the issues faced by the patient. Based on the diagnosis, the dermatologist develops a personalised treatment plan that offers complete symptom management and condition treatment.
