Stage 1 of Chronic Kidney Disease
Navigating Stage 1 Kidney Disease | eGFR 90 or Higher
Stage 1 kidney disease is characterized by mild kidney damage with a normal kidney function, as indicated by an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of 90 or higher. At this stage, it’s crucial to monitor health closely and make lifestyle adjustments to slow the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and reduce the risk of further kidney damage.
Symptoms of Stage 1 Kidney Disease
Many individuals do not experience symptoms in the early stages of CKD. However, potential signs at stage 1 may include:
- High blood pressure
- Swelling in the legs
- Urinary tract infections
- Protein in the urine
Managing Stage 1 Kidney Disease
- Regular Doctor Visits: Keep up with medical check-ups, and report any unusual or unexplained health symptoms.
- Monitor Your GFR: Ask your doctor for a blood test to calculate your eGFR and track your kidney health.
- Treat Underlying Health Conditions: Discuss managing conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes, which can contribute to kidney disease.
- Healthy Lifestyle Choices: Focus on quitting smoking, exercising regularly, eating well (consult a dietitian if necessary), reducing stress, and getting enough sleep.
- Medication Management: Take all prescribed medications as directed and consult your doctor before taking any over-the-counter medications.
Questions to Ask Your Doctor
- Causes of Stage 1 Kidney Disease: Learn about common causes such as high blood pressure or diabetes, and other risk factors.
- Understanding Your eGFR: Discuss how eGFR is measured and what it indicates about your kidney function.
- Health Improvement Strategies: Seek guidance on lifestyle choices that can help in slowing the progression of CKD.
Additional Topics with Your Doctor:
- Diagnosing Stage 1 Kidney Disease: Understand how stage 1 kidney disease is diagnosed, especially if there’s a family history or monitoring for other conditions.
- Nutrition and Kidney Health: Discuss dietary considerations and possibly see a dietitian for tailored nutritional advice to support kidney health.