About Kidney Disease
About Kidney Disease
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is categorized into five stages, dependent on kidney function. The stage of your CKD is assessed by your estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) – an indicator of your kidneys’ efficiency in purifying your blood. At every stage of CKD, the primary objective is to maintain optimal health and management, aiming to decelerate the advancement of the disease and prolong kidney functionality.
Stage 1 CKD: Mild kidney damage, eGFR 90 or higher
Stage 2 CKD: Mild loss of kidney function, eGFR 60-89
Stage 3a & 3b CKD: Mild to severe loss of kidney function, eGFR 30-59
Stage 4 CKD: Severe loss of kidney function, eG FR 15-29
Stage 5 CKD: Kidney failure or close to failure, eGFR less than 15
Kidney disease typically progresses over time. Early detection in the initial stages of CKD does not inevitably lead to advancement to more severe stages. Regular testing and understanding your CKD stage are crucial for collaborating with your healthcare provider to safeguard your kidney health.
Stage 1 | eGFR 90 or Above
Understanding the Stage:
This stage indicates kidney damage while retaining normal function. Potential Indicators: Symptoms may include elevated blood pressure, leg swelling, urinary infections, and abnormal urine test results. Proactive Measures:
- Regular Doctor Visits: Schedule consistent check-ups to track your health. Discuss any new or unexpected symptoms. Inquire specifically about your current eGFR.
- Healthy Lifestyle Choices: Emphasize a balanced diet, cessation of smoking, regular exercise, stress management, and adequate sleep.
- Medication Management: Follow prescription directions precisely. Consult your doctor before using any over-the-counter medications.
Stage 2 | eGFR 60–89
Understanding the Stage:
This stage reflects a mild decrease in kidney function. Potential Indicators: Symptoms may include high blood pressure, leg swelling, urinary infections, and unusual urine test outcomes. Proactive Measures:
- Regular Doctor Visits: Maintain consistent medical check-ups to monitor your health status. Always communicate any new or unexplained symptoms and inquire about your current eGFR.
- Healthy Lifestyle Choices: Focus on a nutritious diet, avoid smoking, engage in regular physical activity, manage stress effectively, and ensure sufficient sleep.
- Medication Management: Adhere strictly to prescribed medications. Always consult your doctor before taking any over-the-counter drugs.
Stage 3A | eGFR 45-59
Understanding the Stage:
This stage signifies a mild to moderate decrease in kidney function. Potential Indicators: Symptoms might include altered urination patterns, swelling in hands and feet, feelings of weakness or fatigue, dry and itchy skin, back discomfort, and muscle cramps. Proactive Measures:
- Doctor Consultations: Regularly visit your doctor to discuss any shifts in your lab results or symptoms you are experiencing.
- Nutritional Guidance: Arrange a consultation with a renal dietitian for dietary advice and to understand kidney-friendly eating habits. Explore recipes suitable for kidney health.
Stage 3B | eGFR 30-44
Stage 4 | eGFR 15-29
Understanding the Stage:
This stage represents a severe decline in kidney function. Potential Indicators: Symptoms may include anemia, reduced appetite, bone disorders, and abnormal phosphorus, calcium, and vitamin D levels. Proactive Measures:
- Continuation of Previous Steps: Persist with the health care and management strategies recommended in the earlier stages.
- Regular Doctor Visits: Keep up with frequent doctor appointments for any new symptoms or changes in existing conditions.
- Dietetic Consultation: Engage with your dietitian about a kidney-supportive diet to extend your kidneys’ functionality.
- Nephrologist Discussions: Discuss with your kidney specialist (nephrologist) to identify the most suitable treatment option, including the possibility of a kidney transplant.
- Access Preparation: Decide on an access type for treatment and begin the process of having your access placed.
- Building Support: Create a support network by connecting with people who offer care and encouragement.
Stage 5 | eGFR Less Than 15
Understanding the Stage:
This stage indicates kidney failure or imminent failure. Potential Indicators: Symptoms may include uremia, fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, abnormal thyroid levels, and swelling in hands, legs, eyes, or lower back, along with lower back pain. Proactive Measures:
- Continued Health Management: Adhere to the health care strategies recommended in previous stages.
- Insurance Coordination: Consult with your insurance coordinator to understand your coverage options.
- Regular Nephrologist Visits: Keep consistent appointments with your kidney specialist (nephrologist) to monitor the disease’s progression.
- Dialysis Preparation: If opting for home dialysis, organize your treatment space and familiarize yourself with the training process. For in-center dialysis, visit a local center to learn more and address any queries.
- Lifestyle and Work Adaptation: Educate yourself on managing life with dialysis, maintain an active lifestyle, and understand your employment rights and how to balance work with treatment.