Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Care
If you’ve been told your kidney function is lower than it should be, you’re probably wondering what that means for your life going forward. CKD — chronic kidney disease, or gradual loss of kidney function over time — is something we manage with you, not just for you. At our Winter Garden, Maitland, and Longwood offices, our team will help you understand exactly where you stand, what’s driving the change, and what you can do right now to protect the kidney function you have.
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) means your kidneys have been damaged over time and can no longer filter waste and extra fluid from your blood as well as they should. CKD is common, affecting more than 35 million U.S. adults, or more than 1 in 7, and the two most common causes are diabetes and high blood pressure. Other risk factors include heart disease, obesity, older age, smoking, and a family history of kidney disease.
In its early stages, CKD often has no symptoms, so many people do not know they have it. The most reliable way to find it early is through simple tests: a blood test for your eGFR (a measure of how well your kidneys filter) and a urine test (uACR) that checks for albumin, a protein whose presence can be an early sign of kidney damage. CKD is generally described in five stages, from mild damage with near-normal filtering (Stage 1) through kidney failure (Stage 5), based largely on your eGFR. As CKD advances, some people notice swelling, fatigue, foamy urine, changes in how often they urinate, poor appetite, itching, or trouble concentrating.
Advanced, long-lasting CKD usually cannot be reversed, but finding it early and managing the conditions behind it can help slow how quickly it progresses. Care often focuses on controlling blood pressure and blood sugar, choosing kidney-friendly habits around diet, activity, and smoking, and reviewing medicines that may affect the kidneys. Your nephrology team works with you to track your numbers over time and adjust your plan as needed.
What we offer
What to expect
At your visit, your nephrologist or nurse practitioner will review your health history, current medicines, and any lab or imaging results, then check your kidney function with blood and urine tests as needed. Together you will talk through your CKD stage and what it means, set goals for blood pressure and blood sugar, and build a personalized plan. Our team cares for patients across our office, area hospitals, dialysis centers, and by telehealth, and we will schedule regular follow-ups to monitor your kidneys and update your plan over time.
Why choose West Orange Nephrology?
Convenient care
We meet you where you are with appointments in our office, at area hospitals and dialysis centers, and through secure telehealth visits.
Caring approach
Our goal is to empower you with clear information, so you understand your CKD stage and feel confident in your personalized care plan.
Collaborative care
Dr. Banji Awosika and our team of nephrologists and nurse practitioners work alongside you to manage blood pressure, diabetes, and your kidney health together.
Frequently asked questions
What causes chronic kidney disease?
Diabetes and high blood pressure are the most common causes. Other risk factors include heart disease, obesity, older age, smoking, and a family history of kidney disease. Less common causes include autoimmune conditions, inherited disorders, infections, and urinary blockages.
Will I be able to tell if I have CKD?
Often not in the early stages, because CKD frequently has no symptoms. The most reliable way to detect it is with a blood test (eGFR) and a urine test (uACR). As it advances, some people notice swelling, fatigue, foamy urine, or changes in urination. Talk with your provider about getting tested, especially if you have diabetes or high blood pressure.
Can chronic kidney disease be treated?
Advanced CKD usually cannot be reversed, but finding it early and managing the conditions behind it, such as diabetes and high blood pressure, can help slow its progression. Your care team will tailor a plan to your stage and monitor your kidney function over time.
What happens if my kidney disease gets worse?
If kidneys reach failure, treatment options include dialysis (hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis) or a kidney transplant. Our team offers pre-dialysis and transplant planning so you can understand your options and prepare ahead of time with your care team.
