Do you need a kidney doctor in the Bay Minette area? Nephrology Associates can help! We offer chronic kidney disease treatment options in Bay Minette, Alabama. Patients in northern Baldwin County can visit our office for state-of-the-art diagnostics and medical treatments. If you have chronic kidney disease (CKD) or simply have reason to believe you are at increased risk of developing CKD, it's easy to schedule an appointment at a Nephrology Associates office near you. We have three convenient locations in Baldwin County, including one right here in Bay Minette. Whether you need CKD treatment or are seeking an initial diagnosis, we're here to provide the answers and support you need!
Call our Bay Minette office at 251-343-5004 to schedule an appointment.
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Treatment in North Baldwin County
What Does a Diagnosis of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Mean?
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a condition affecting a patient's kidney function. When our kidneys are healthy, they perform crucial functions that help keep us alive. Their primary function is to filter out waste and excess water from our blood, which are removed from our bodies in the form of urine. The kidneys also release important hormones that we need for continued health. These hormones aid us in maintaining normal blood pressure, are involved in the creation of new red blood cells, and contribute to the health of our bones. When a person has CKD, all these functions can be impaired or disrupted, leading to a variety of health problems— particularly if the CKD isn't properly managed.
Chronic Kidney Disease may not present many noticeable symptoms in its early stages, which means it can go undiagnosed for some time. Unfortunately, it won't simply go away, and it's only a matter of time before it becomes impossible to ignore. Because CKD is a progressive condition that worsens with time, it's important to diagnose it as early as possible. If left untreated, CKD can lead to serious kidney damage that can cause kidney failure, requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant.
Chronic Kidney Disease is a serious condition and as such should never be ignored. Instead, take a proactive approach and see a nephrologist (kidney specialist). The good news is that there are treatment options available for CKD. Your nephrologist can help you protect your kidney function, improving your prognosis considerably. Early treatment is always best, and effective CKD treatment also lowers the chances that you'll suffer from other serious health issues related to CKD, such as an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and heart attack.
The thought of CKD can be scary, but it's encouraging to note that most patients who have CKD don't need dialysis. They typically continue living their lives as usual, just making minor lifestyle adjustments and seeing a doctor for occasional monitoring. Increasing your level of physical activity and following a healthy diet can make an amazing difference in your longterm health. You're not in this on your own. Our team of health care professionals will help guide you through it all!
Are You at Increased Risk of Developing Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)?
Some people have certain risk factors that increase their chances of having Chronic Kidney Disease. Below are some of the conditions and factors that can increase your likelihood of developing CKD:
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- Family history of kidney failure
- Age — risk increases with age
- Ethnicity — African-American, Hispanic, or American Indian heritage increases risk
Anyone who has increased risk factors should be especially vigilant about their kidney health. Because kidney function can be damaged even before you notice symptoms of CKD, it's a good idea to see a doctor for screening if you suspect you're at a higher than average risk. If it turns out you do have CKD, it's best to learn about it as soon as possible. Starting a treatment plan in the early stages of CKD can help you enjoy a longer and healthier life.
Getting screened for CKD is simple. Your kidney specialist can administer quick, easy blood or urine lab tests to assess your kidney function and check for potential problems. If your nephrologist determines that treatment is necessary, the team at Nephrology Associates will help you find the treatment plan that's best for you— and we'll support you every step of the way!
Chronic Kidney Disease Diagnosis in Bay Minette, Alabama
Whether you need a CKD diagnosis, CKD treatment, or support for some other aspect of your renal health, Nephrology Associates is available to assist you. We provide patients in Baldwin County with comprehensive kidney health services. Our caring team of professionals want to help you live your best, healthiest life! Do you have questions? If you'd like to schedule an appointment at our Bay Minette office, please give us a call at 251-343-5004 or contact us online! We look forward to speaking with you!