Renal Disease Phases
There are five stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD) or renal disease. The stages of kidney disease are determined by the results of the eGFR test and the kidneys’ ability to filter excess fluid and other waste products from the blood. As the phases progress, the kidney disease worsens and the kidneys no longer function as effectively as they once did. It is essential to halt the progression of kidney damage at each stage.
The five phases of kidney disease refer to the functioning of the kidneys. Kidney disease can progress over time. Patients in stages 1 and 3 are still able to filter the majority of waste products from their blood. In the later phases, the kidneys may cease functioning entirely as they struggle to filter the blood. Detailed descriptions of each stage of kidney disease are provided below:
Stage 1 kidney disease: eGFR greater than 90
A person in stage 1 of chronic kidney disease has modest kidney damage and an eGFR of 90 or higher. A eGFR of 90 or higher indicates that the kidneys are healthy and functioning properly, but there are other indicators of kidney impairment. In stage 1 of kidney disease, there are several methods to slow the progression of kidney damage, including:
Consume a balanced diet
Be more physically engaged
Consult a physician about kidney-protecting medications.
Make an appointment with a nephrologist for a consultation that is more in-depth.
Controlling your blood pressure
If you are diabetic, you must manage your blood sugar levels.
Avoid using tobacco products
Chronic kidney disease at stage 2: eGFR ranging from 60 to 89
At stage 2 of kidney disease, the kidneys are healthy and functional, but there are additional indications of kidney damage. The presence of protein in a person’s urine or some degree of physical harm to the kidneys are indicators of stage 2 kidney damage. In stage 2 of kidney disease, further renal damage can be reversed by:
regulating one’s blood pressure
Managing blood sugar levels if you have diabetes
Consume only healthful foods
Perform daily physical activity for at least 30 minutes
Avoid tobacco usage
Chronic kidney disease in its third stage: eGFR ranging from 30 to 59
At stage 3, the eGFR level indicates that your kidneys are not functioning normally and have suffered some degree of injury. In addition, stage 3 has two sub-stages:
Stage 3a is distinguished by an eGFR between 45 and 59
Stage 3b is characterised by an eGFR range of 30 to 44
The majority of persons with stage 3 kidney disease exhibit no symptoms, but if they do, they may include:
Back ache
urination more often than usual
edoema of the limbs and feet
Stage 4 chronic kidney disease: eGFR 15 to 29
This stage of kidney disease refers to moderate or extensive kidney damage. Patients with stage 4 kidney disease require immediate and intensive treatment, as this is the final stage before kidney failure. The preponderance of stage 4 kidney disease patients exhibit the following symptoms:
Back ache
Fluid retention
Frequent urination Kidney disease stage 5: eGFR less than 15
At stage 5 of kidney disease, a patient is very near to kidney failure or has already developed it. If a person’s kidneys fail, debris accumulates in the blood and causes illness. Among the symptoms of renal failure are:
suppressed hunger
muscle spasms
Back ache
sickness and vomiting
Itching
Extreme edoema
Difficulty in respiration
difficulty resting
