Blog
In-depth guides on kidney and internal medicine conditions, written by Consultant Nephrologist Dr Rory McQuillan.
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High blood pressure: symptoms, causes and when to see a specialist
Most people with high blood pressure feel well. What the numbers mean, common causes, the link with kidney disease, home monitoring, how to lower it and when to see a specialist.
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When should you see a kidney specialist? A guide to nephrology referral in Ireland
The common reasons GPs refer to a nephrologist, from abnormal eGFR to blood or protein in urine. How referral works in Ireland, what to bring and what happens at your first visit.
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ACR and PCR urine tests: what they measure and what your result means
ACR and PCR are two urine tests for protein. What each one measures, what normal and raised results look like, what causes protein in urine, and how results guide treatment.
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Blood in urine and cancer risk: when to worry and what to do
Blood in urine always needs checking. How often it turns out to be cancer, who is most at risk, which cancers can present this way, and what the investigation involves.
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Cardiorenal syndrome: when heart and kidney disease interact
When heart and kidney disease occur together, each can worsen the other. The types of cardiorenal syndrome, why treatment needs careful balancing, and the newer medicines changing care.
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How to prevent recurrent kidney stones: a complete evidence-based guide
Most people can lower their risk of another kidney stone. Hydration, diet for each stone type, metabolic testing, medicines and lifestyle measures in an evidence-based prevention plan.
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Hyponatraemia: a complete guide to low sodium
Low sodium is the most common electrolyte disturbance. Its causes, symptoms and investigation, why the cause must be found before treatment, and why correction has to be gradual.
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IgA nephropathy: the complete guide for patients
IgA nephropathy is the most common form of glomerulonephritis. How it presents and is diagnosed, how treatment has changed with recent trials, and what to expect long term.
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Resistant hypertension: a complete guide to high blood pressure that does not respond
Blood pressure that stays high despite three or more medicines, including a diuretic. What to rule out first, the underlying causes to look for and what specialist care can offer.
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SGLT2 inhibitors in diabetic kidney disease: the complete guide
SGLT2 inhibitors have changed treatment for diabetic kidney disease. How they work, the trial evidence, who benefits, practical points when starting them and what to expect long term.
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The five stages of chronic kidney disease: a complete guide
Chronic kidney disease is staged 1 to 5 by how well the kidneys filter blood. What each stage means, the tests behind the numbers, the right treatment and the realistic outlook.
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The genetics of polycystic kidney disease: a guide for patients and families
How polycystic kidney disease is inherited, how the PKD1 and PKD2 forms differ, what genetic testing can show, and what the diagnosis means for children and family planning.
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Vasovagal syncope: the complete guide to the most common cause of fainting
Vasovagal syncope is the most common cause of fainting and is usually harmless. What triggers it, how it is diagnosed, which other causes to rule out and how to prevent episodes.
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What causes acute kidney injury? A complete guide to the main causes
Acute kidney injury has many causes, from dehydration and sepsis to medicines and blocked urine flow. How each is identified, and why finding the cause shapes treatment and recovery.
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Please note: Appointments are arranged via GP referral.
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