Chronic Kidney Disease begins slowly. Unlike Acute Kidney Failure which occurs suddenly, CKD progresses through five critical stages.
The primary function of the kidney is to remove excess fluid, waste and toxins from the body. When this vital organ no longer does this, it means they are beginning to fail.
Although you can miss the warning signals, the classic symptoms are always there, especially from the third stage of the disease.
We will walk you through these different stages and their symptoms so that you can take proactive action.
With early detection and swift action, you can slow down the progression of CKD.
Stages Of Chronic Kidney Disease
The National Kidney Foundation introduced the five stages of CKD. These stages were later adopted with minor modifications.
To assess the function of your kidney and assign a stage if you have the disease, a doctor will conduct two tests.
The first one is the Albumin-Creatinine Rate which shows if protein is present in your urine.
The second test uses a formula known as the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) to show how well your kidney is filtering your blood.
A GFR of 100 means a completely healthy kidney. Between 90-100 means your kidneys are still working normally.
For instance, if you have a GFR of 45, you know that your kidneys are working at approximately 45 per cent of the normal rate which is concerning.
Your doctor will recommend other tests and treatments based on the stage of the disease.
Also Read: Can You Reverse Acute Kidney Failure Without Dialysis?
Stage 1 Chronic Kidney Disease
Everyone knows the kidney is one hell of a resilient organ. Even while something is not right, it still carries on as if everything is perfect.
However, with this resilience comes a challenge: It becomes difficult to notice the damage early.
At this early stage, kidney damage is present, yet the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) stands at a normal or high level, exceeding 90 ml/min.
The problem though is, there is protein in your urine.
Since this does not give much of a hint, you may go for routine checks for maybe diabetes or high blood pressure only to realize that you have something else to worry about.
According to The National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Diseases, high blood pressure and diabetes are the leading causes of kidney disease in the United States.
Just as poor-functioning kidneys affect the heart negatively, high blood pressure contributes to kidney disease.
The symptoms of stage 1 CKD are:
- High levels of creatinine or urea in the blood
- Detection of blood or protein in urine samples
- Evidence of kidney damage in imaging studies like MRI, CT scans, ultrasounds, or contrast X-rays.
A family history of polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is also a red flag.
Stage 2 Chronic Kidney Disease
In this stage, the warning signs are still not obvious and you are still unaware.
However, there is a mild decline in the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) to the range of 60-89 ml/min.
Again, kidney disease is often discovered accidentally here.
Various indicators are:
- High levels of creatinine or urea in the blood
- The presence of blood or protein in urine samples
- Discovery of kidney damage in imaging studies such as MRI, CT scans, ultrasounds, or contrast X-rays.
Also Read: How to Dissolve Kidney Stones Fast Using Diet
Stage 3 Chronic Kidney Disease
This phase signals moderate kidney damage split into two stages: 3A and stages 3B. Each of these stages has its own glomerular filtration rate (GFR) range.
For Stage 3A, the GFR ranges from 45-59 mL/min while a decrease in GFR for Stage 3B is 30-44 mL/min.
As your kidney function declines, you might hear the term “uremia,” a condition where waste products start to build up. Your body becomes more and more toxic.
Stage 3 brings with it a higher likelihood of complications, such as high blood pressure, anaemia, and bone issues.
As the kidneys face this gradual decline, the stakes are raised, bringing the prospect of uremia and a greater susceptibility to kidney-related complications.
Unlike the quiet stages that precede it, the symptoms are quite obvious here:
- Fatigue
- Fluid Retention and Swelling:
- Changes in Urination
- Urine color becoming odd from dark brown to slightly red
- Kidney Pain presents as back pain
- Sleep Disruptions
Stage 4 Chronic Kidney Disease
This phase is marked by serious kidney damage, with the GFR dropping to 15-30 ml/min.
At this point, dialysis or a kidney transplant becomes a looming reality to manage the disease.
Dialysis is not a cure for CKD. The procedure is used to filter excess fluid and toxins from the blood in place of the kidney.
Stage 4 CKD comes with a higher risk of complications, from high blood pressure to anemia, bone issues, heart complications, and more.
These are the signs to watch out for in Stage 4:
- Normal tasks feel like climbing a mountain.
- Swollen legs and feet, along with trouble catching your breath
- Changes in bathroom habits and odd urine colour
- Loss of appetite
- Back Pain
- Restless nights with muscle cramps and legs
- Nausea and Vomiting
- A metallic taste and bad caused by urea buildup in the blood
- Lack of concentration
- Numbness or tingling in the toes or fingers
The National Kidney Foundation (NKF) guidelines recommend starting dialysis when kidney function drops to 15 percent or less.
Meeting With a Dietitian
At any stage of CKD, you may benefit from working with a dietician as part of an overall treatment option.
Diet is such an important part of treatment.
Eating a proper diet can help preserve kidney function and overall health.
If you have CKD, a dietician will review your lab work results and recommend a meal plan for your needs.
Stage 5 Chronic Kidney Disease
At this stage, the kidney packs up signaling End-stage Renal Disease (ESRD). The glomerular filtration rate (GFR) drops to 15 ml/min or less.
It’s a stage where the kidneys have lost almost all their ability to function.
Usually, this prompts the need for life-sustaining interventions like dialysis or a kidney transplant.
As the kidneys near the end of their functionality, these symptoms follow:
- Loss of Appetite
- Nausea or vomiting
- Persistent headaches
- Overwhelming tiredness
- Difficulty concentrating
- Unexplained bodily itching
- Reduced Urination:
- Swelling, especially around the eyes and ankles
- Muscle cramps
- Tingling in hands or feet
- Changes in skin color and pigmentation:
Stage 5 CKD not only signals the decline of kidney function but also brings about a host of challenges as the kidneys can no longer perform vital roles.
The kidneys’ inability to remove waste and excess fluids leads to the build-up of toxins in the blood.
Additionally, essential functions such as blood pressure regulation, hormone production for red blood cells, and activation of vitamin D for bone health are compromised.
Upon receiving a stage 5 CKD diagnosis, consult with a nephrologist immediately. They will help you make informed decisions about the best treatment options.
Again, your diet plays a crucial role in supporting your overall well-being, and that’s where a dietitian steps in.
They’ll create a dietary plan for you to tailor to align with your treatment.
This personalized approach ensures that your diet not only supports your kidney health but also keeps you feeling your best.
Also Read: How to Organically Crush Your Sugar Level in 90 Days or Less
Conclusion
The nature of Chronic Kidney Disease stresses the importance of early detection and proactive management.
Take steps today to make a significant impact on your kidney health tomorrow.
Cut out bad fats and excess protein especially from animal sources and quiet tobacco use if you smoke.
Prioritize kidney health with routine screenings, maintain open communication with your healthcare professionals, and adopt a kidney-friendly lifestyle.
Remember, early detection can be life-saving.
