What does the term nephropathy refer to?

Nephropathy specifically denotes any disease or condition that negatively affects the kidneys’ structure or function. The term is derived from "nephro," which refers to the kidneys, and "pathy," which denotes a disease or disorder. There are various types of nephropathy, such as diabetic nephropathy, which is commonly associated with diabetes, and hypertensive nephropathy, linked to high blood pressure. Understanding nephropathy is critical because the kidneys play a vital role in filtering waste from the blood, balancing fluids, and regulating essential minerals. Awareness of this term is especially important in fields related to nephrology and patient care.