Southern Oklahoma Kidney Center understands that your health is your greatest asset. Many people never feel symptoms until their kidneys are nearly failing. We help patients in Ardmore, OK, and Gainesville, TX, learn to protect their kidneys starting today. It is vital to pay attention now. Waiting too long makes the medical treatment much harder for everyone.
Why Learning to Protect Your Kidneys Matters
Your kidneys filter all your blood every single day. They pull out waste and manage your body’s water levels. When you know how to protect your kidneys, these steps may help reduce the risk of complications such as bone loss and anemia. Healthy kidneys also keep your blood pressure steady. It is all about keeping your whole system running well. You only get one pair.
Common Kidney Problems to Watch For
Chronic kidney disease is a silent issue that builds up over many years. You might also deal with things like high potassium levels. Sometimes, renal issues lead to heart disease or even a stroke. Our team watches for these connections closely. We want to stop these problems before they become an emergency for you. Early detection is really the key.
Assessing Your Risk for Kidney Disease
Is diabetes or high blood pressure in your family? These are the common reasons why people should have a nephrologist. Your age, as well as your weight, contribute to your speed of filtration and your ability to protect your kidneys from damage. One should be aware of their current health position. It is better to assist us in developing a healthier strategy in the long term.
Additional Risk Factors
Lupus and other autoimmune disorders can attack your kidney tissue directly. Also, having many urinary infections over time can cause some scarring. Even your birth weight might change your risk later. We look at these small details. Frequent or unsupervised use of pain relievers such as NSAIDs can increase the risk of kidney damage.
Recognizing Early Symptoms
You will find that your urine has been looking foamy recently. Other individuals perceive blood or experience thirstiness constantly. Another symptom that indicates that your fluid balance is not perfect is swelling in your legs. In case you are weak or have difficulties with thinking, it is time to protect your kidneys. Wait, not until things are worse.
Essential Kidney Tests
We use a few simple tests to see how your kidneys are doing. An eGFR test tells us how well you filter waste. We also check your urine for albumin protein. High blood pressure readings can also point toward renal stress. These tests give us the full picture. They are fast and provide the data we need.
Understanding Test Results
In general, an eGFR above 60 is considered normal, though values can vary based on age and overall health. If that number drops, it means there is some kidney damage. We also check your UACR to see if you are leaking protein. Our doctors explain these numbers to you in plain English. We want you to understand exactly what is happening inside your body.
Lifestyle Changes for Healthy Kidneys
A healthy diet that has reduced salt will reduce your filter load. You ought to exercise and maintain a good weight. One of the most effective methods of enhancing your blood flow is quitting smoking. Another thing, pay attention to the quantity of alcohol you drink. These habits are a huge part of how to protect your kidneys.
Managing Existing Kidney Conditions
For those already facing issues, chronic kidney disease management is the priority. We work on keeping your blood sugar stable and your heart healthy. You should also stay up to date on your flu shots. Avoiding certain medications is a must. We help you navigate these rules so you can keep living your life.
Preventive Care and Monitoring
Southern Oklahoma Kidney Center offers diabetic kidney disease management to help high-risk patients stay safe. Regular lab testing is the only way to catch changes early on. We look at your history and monitor your labs every year to protect your kidneys. Contact us today to start your plan. We are here to help you stay healthy.
