What are the 5 Stages of Kidney Disease?
The kidneys play an important role that is vital in maintaining good health. The kidneys act as filters for blood, to remove toxins, surplus fluids and waste. They ensure that blood pressure and blood chemicals are regulated properly. Kidneys also stimulate red blood cell production in the body and keep bones healthy by balancing phosphorus and calcium levels in the blood to maintain healthy bone mass and structure.
In the event, one begins to notice signs of kidney disease, consult with a reputed nephrologist who will conduct a series of tests to determine how much the disease has progressed. If it has progressed significantly, the nephrologist will recommend acute renal failure treatment based on the stage of chronic kidney disease.
What causes Kidney Disease?
Chronic kidney disease is caused by high blood pressure and diabetes. Diabetes happens when the blood sugar in the body is too high, which can lead to damage to many organs in the body.
High blood pressure occurs when there is increased pressure of blood against the walls of your blood vessels. If it is poorly controlled, high blood pressure can lead to heart attacks, strokes and chronic kidney disease. This is a lesser-known fact, chronic kidney disease can cause high blood pressure.
Other factors that could cause chronic kidney disease include Glomerulonephritis, lupus, malformations in the kidneys, repeated urinary infections, obstructions caused by kidney stones(Consult a doctor for Renal Stone Treatment), tumors or an enlarged prostate gland in men.
How does a Nephrologist determine the stage of kidney disease?
To determine the stage of chronic kidney disease, the nephrologist must determine how well the kidneys are working by performing kidney function tests.
A nephrologist will recommend a urine test to assess the albumin-creatinine ratio (ACR). It can show whether protein is leaking into the urine (proteinuria); this is a sign of kidney damage.
A blood test to measure the creatinine, urea, and other waste in the blood can determine how well the kidneys are working. This test shows the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). A GFR of 100 mL/min is normal.
If one happens to be in Coimbatore, and wishes to consult a top nephrologist, visit the nearest kidney hospital in Coimbatore that provides kidney treatment. A nephrologist can help one understand the stages of kidney disease better and determine which stage the patient is at, and what course of treatment to provide. To help you be prepared, here are the stages of kidney disease below.
The 5 stages of Kidney Disease
Stage 1 Kidney Disease
There is very mild damage to the kidneys. They’re quite adaptable and can keep performing at 90 percent or better.
In this stage, Kidney disease is likely to be discovered after certain symptoms arise or by chance, it is noticed during routine blood and urine tests. You may undergo these tests if you have diabetes or high blood pressure.
Symptoms
In the majority of cases, there are no symptoms as the kidneys continue to function at 90 percent or better.
Stage 2 Kidney Disease
During stage 2 kidney disease, the kidneys can function between 60 and 89 percent.
Symptoms
You might not show symptoms. Or the symptoms could be nonspecific, such as:
- Fatigue
- Itching
- Loss of appetite
- Sleep problems
- Weakness
Stage 3 Kidney Disease
During stage 3 kidney disease, stage 3 is split into 3A and 3B. In patients with stage 3A, the kidney’s function is between 45 and 59 percent. In patients with Stage 3B kidney, the kidney’s function is between 30 and 44 percent.
During this stage, the kidneys will not be able to filter waste, toxins, and fluids well and these could start to build up.
Symptoms
Not everyone has symptoms at stage 3A or stage 3B. But you may have:
- Back pain
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Persistent itching
- Sleep problems
- Swelling of the hands and feet
- Urinating more or less than usual
- Weakness
Complications could include:
- Anemia
- Bone disease
- High blood pressure
Stage 4 Kidney Disease
In Stage 4 kidney disease, patients will have moderate-to-severe kidney damage. The kidneys function is between 15 and 29 percent, there may be high levels of waste, toxins, and fluids in the body.
During Stage 4 kidney disease, it becomes vital that one does all one can to prevent it from progressing into kidney failure.
Symptoms
Stage 4 kidney disease can show symptoms can include:
- Decreased mental sharpness
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Muscle twitches or cramps
- Nausea and vomiting
- Persistent itching
- Sleep problems
- Urinating more or less than usual
Complications can include:
- Anemia
- Bone disease
- High blood pressure
One is also at an increased risk of being diagnosed with heart disease and stroke.
Stage 5 Kidney Disease
During stage 5, the kidneys are working at less than 15 percent or the kidneys begin to fail.
In stage 5 kidney disease, the buildup of waste and toxins start to become life-threatening. End-stage renal disease also goes by this name.
Symptoms
The symptoms of stage 5 kidney disease can include:
- Decreased mental sharpness
- Fatigue
- Little to no appetite
- Muscle twitches or cramps
- Nausea or vomiting
- Persistent itching
- Trouble sleeping
- Severe weakness
- Swelling of the hands and feet
There is a significantly increased risk of heart disease and stroke.
If one happens to be in Coimbatore, consult with one of the best nephrologists in Coimbatore to accurately diagnose the condition. Visit the nearest kidney hospital in Coimbatore for the right treatment.
