Over 37 million Americans suffer from kidney disease, yet many don’t realize it until they’re in the late stages. That’s why it’s best to seek nephrology treatment the instant you suspect you may have kidney issues, regardless of how severe your symptoms may be. The good news is that there is a team in place ready to help.
The Western Washington Medical Group Nephrology Care Center is the longest-standing nephrology group in Snohomish County. Their team can help test, diagnose and treat a range of kidney-related issues. The group also maintains an excellent working relationship with local transplant centers in the Seattle area and can provide after-care for patients once a transplant is performed.
The philosophy at this practice is to identify issues early enough to prevent progression and preserve the kidney function of the patient. Because of this method of treatment, most patients can avoid dialysis.
Signs and Symptoms of Kidney Disease
There are several symptoms of kidney disease and many of them are often attributed to other ailments, which is why they sometimes get ignored. A combination of these most common signs may indicate trouble with your kidneys:
- The need to urinate more often (even if you’re not drinking more than you normally do)
- Bloody or foamy urine
- Swollen ankles and feet
- Lack of appetite
- Cramping muscles
- Eye puffiness that persists
- Itchy, dry skin
- Sleeplessness
- Lack of concentration
- Feelings of fatigue/exhaustion when there has not been an elevated amount of physical activity
What types of things can I be treated for at the Nephrology Specialty Clinic?
The medical professionals at Western Washington Medical Group are trained to help those who have experienced or have been diagnosed with any of the following:
- Diabetic nephropathy (a long-term kidney disease that typically affects those with diabetes)
- Hypertension (high blood pressure that can lead to kidney disease)
- Kidney stones (painful mineral and salt deposits that form inside the kidneys and can affect the urinary tract)
- Vasculitis (an inflammation of the blood vessels caused by infection, medicine or disease)
- Nephritis, glomerular and interstitial (an inflammation of the kidneys)
- Chronic renal insufficiency, anemia and other complications (poor function of kidneys sometimes due to lack of blood flow)
- Dialysis care (the process of removing toxins and excess water in people who have kidneys that can no longer do that for them)
- Transplantation (replacement of a kidney that no longer functions properly)
- Edema and disorders of electrolytes (swelling and/or an imbalance of fluids)
Become a Patient
If you need treatment from our Nephrology Care Center, call (425) 258-6801 to request an appointment. Once scheduled, to save time on-site, be sure to complete these forms (scroll down to “Nephrology”) prior to your visit. We look forward to meeting you.