Know the Stages of Kidney Disease
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with kidney disease, it is critical to know the “stages” of the disease so you can take the appropriate steps to manage the disease and maintain good health. “Awareness is key,” says Richard Glassock, emeritus professor of medicine at the David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California Los Angeles. He is the former president of the National Kidney Foundation and the American Society of Nephrology.
What are the five stages of kidney disease?
While there is no specific cure for kidney disease, there are treatments that can help slow its progression. If detected early, CKD can be managed with lifestyle changes and medication. It’s also important to address underlying causes of the condition. Patients with kidney disease should exercise regularly, manage their weight, and seek a doctor’s advice if they smoke. As kidney function declines, people may begin to feel the effects of the disease, including swelling of the hands or face and decreased urine output.
People with chronic kidney disease can go through five different stages of kidney failure. Each stage is defined by the severity of kidney function and the level of kidney damage. As the disease progresses, the kidneys become less able to filter blood. Treatments for each stage aim to reduce the damage to the kidneys and keep them working as long as possible.
What are the different stages of kidney disease?
During a kidney function test, doctors can determine the various stages of kidney disease. The glomerular filtration rate (GFR) will determine which stage a person is in. This test measures how much blood filters through the kidneys in 60 seconds. If the GFR is low, the patient is in the first stage of kidney disease. However, even in this stage, the kidneys are healthy and the disease progression can be slow by making lifestyle changes and eating healthy food.
Fortunately, early detection of kidney disease is possible and can often reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure. However, the condition is not curable and patients will eventually have to undergo a kidney transplant.
Is kidney disease Stage 3 serious?
Stage 3 of kidney disease is not a life-threatening condition, but if it continues to progress, it can lead to severe health complications. Most people with stage three kidney disease do not have any symptoms, but they may experience back pain, swelling, irregular urination, high blood pressure, and bone disease. The best course of treatment is to start early and focus on keeping yourself healthy. This includes keeping medical appointments, taking prescribed medications, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
When is kidney disease Stage 3 diagnosed? A person should visit a doctor as soon as they feel symptoms of this condition. Although there is no cure for stage 3 kidney disease, there are ways to manage it and slow its progression. For example, patients should avoid smoking and control their blood sugar. They should also exercise regularly and follow a kidney-friendly diet.
What is Stage 4 or 5 kidney disease?
At this stage of the disease, the kidneys cannot repair themselves. Treatment is focused on preventing the condition from progressing to kidney failure and preserving a good quality of life. According to a 2012 study, women with stage 4 kidney disease have a longer life expectancy than men. However, as patients age, the prognosis becomes more bleak.
Stage 4 kidney disease is characterized by high levels of potassium in the blood. It also results in a high sodium level. This changes the fluids in the body and may lead to hypertension and CVD. Another common symptom of stage four kidney disease is uremia, or a high level of toxins in the blood. This condition can occur at any time during the disease, and it may start even before symptoms appear.
At what stage do you need dialysis?
Dialysis is a treatment that is used to remove waste products and unwanted toxins from the body. There are different kinds of dialysis, including hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. Your doctor will help you decide which type of treatment is best for your condition.
Dialysis is usually required when the kidneys can no longer do their job. However, the exact time at which you need it varies depending on the cause and severity of your condition. Dialysis is typically started after GFR falls below 15 mL/min/1.73 m2. Dialysis may be started before these symptoms appear, or you may be able to delay its start for a while.
Some signs that you may need dialysis include a lack of appetite, vomiting, and an itchy skin. These are all signs that your kidneys are failing. You may also experience fatigue and weakness, and you may notice that your blood has low levels of red blood cells.
