The introduction of Chronic Kidney Disease( CKD) has been recognized for centuries when Sir Richard Bright, a British physician characterized the clinical symptoms of Kidney failure in 1827. He laid the foundation of modern nephrology and made the most significant contribution to kidney disease. The life-saving medical treatment, dialysis was introduced in the late 1940s to manage kidney damage and improve the quality of life. Moreover; since, the 20th century, modern science and technology have accelerated the understanding of CKD, even though it has been a global health challenge.
Point to Remember- Chronic kidney disease is a progressive condition that has no cure; however, constant treatment measures can reduce the complications and slow the progression of the disease. Today, remarkable advancements and treatment modalities are focusing on early detection, prevention, and extending life expectancy for those with end-stage renal disease.
Function of Kidney- The two bean-shaped organs on either side of your spine near your waist have tiny glomeruli that remove the extra water and waste from your body.
The Glomerular Filtration Test- Your kidney filters the creatinine(waste products) from your body and releases it in urine. The creatinine levels in blood are often called glomerular filtration rate( e GFR). This is a blood test that monitors the creatine levels in a sample of your blood or urine.
Highlights of the Article- As we know proper medication and dialysis treatment can maintain kidney function; therefore, it is important to consult the best pathology center for managing the chronic kidney condition and have personalized treatment care to have a long life. Hence, the article will inform you of the foremost leading pathology center in Vadodara, along with 5 Stages of Chronic Kidney Disease so that you can take proactive steps to potentially prevent further complications. Let us move to the below segments and understand the stages of chronic disease from the early phase( commencement).
Stage 1: Increased GFR
There are 5 stages based on how well your kidneys can filter waste ranging from mild to kidney failure. The kidney blood test or glomerular filtration test determines which stage of CKD you are in. Let us discuss the 5 Stages of Chronic Kidney Disease one by one.
Increased GFR Rate- For young adults, the normal glomerular filtration rate should range between 90 to 120 mL/ min/ 1. 73 m2. GFR is a vital indicator and a higher-than-normal GFR rate is considered an increased GFR. A GFR greater than 90 ml per minute detects the signs of mild kidney damage. The presence of excessive amounts of protein ( proteinuria) in your pee is a common symptom of various kidney disorders. Proteinuria is an early sign of CKD which can gradually lose kidney functions and eventually require kidney transplant or dialysis therapy.
Symptoms and Management- This is an early asymptomatic stage that has less noticeable symptoms that might go undetected until it has progressed. Regularly monitoring the kidney function, managing sugar levels, and controlling the blood pressure level can prevent kidney disease from progressing to kidney failure.
Stage 2: Mild Reduction in GFR
The Estimated GFR Rate- It is essential to treat a low eGFR rate between 60 and 89 mL/ min rate to live a long healthy life without being unduly affected by any severe kidney complications. The kidneys at stage 2 still function optimally but early detection is vital. Patients can make informed decisions and proactive measures to protect their kidney health by understanding Stage 2 CKD.
Symptoms and Management- People with stage 2 CKD do not recognize the clinical symptoms of kidney disease until stage 3 CKD. However, there are some signs like protein in your urine, high blood pressure, swelling in your feet or hands, urinary tract infection, and hematuria( blood in your urine) that doctors may notice when testing for kidney damage. You can keep a healthy blood pressure( less than 120/ 80 millimeters of mercury). You can maintain a low saturated fat and cholesterol diet along with medical intervention to reduce the symptoms.
Stage 3: Moderate Loss in GFR
The Estimated GFR Rate- The CKD stage is divided into 2 sub-stages 3 a and 3 based on your eGFR. Here in this stage, the kidneys have mild to moderate damage in which the waste builds up in your body(uremia) begins to harm the other areas. Stage 3a and Stage 3b mean the eGFR ranges between 45- 59 and 30- 40 respectively indicating noticeable kidney loss. Please remember that immediately after stage 3 has progressed, you are at more risk of kidney failure.
Symptoms and Management- People will feel changes in urination, itchy skin, muscle, weakness, etc. You don’t need a kidney transplant or dialysis at this stage; however, it is essential to consult a doctor to slow the stage 3 kidney problem.
Stage 4: Severe Decrease in GFR
The Estimated GFR Rate- Stage 4 CKD ranges between 15 and 29 and is the last stage before severe kidney failure. CKD is a non-communicable disease that is difficult to determine because of its asymptomatic nature in its early stage; however, people with stage 4 are at the highest risk of developing heart disease and kidney failure.
Symptoms and Management- High blood pressure is a common characteristic for individuals. Moreover, there are other ranges of symptoms often accompanied such as distinctive ammonia-like breath odor, excessive urination, nausea or vomiting, kidney pain, frequent urination, and nerve problems or tingles( numbness) in the toes and fingers. At stage 4 CKD, it is necessary to visit the doctor( nephrologist) every three months. Apart from a healthy diet patients with stage 4 CKD can opt for medical treatments like Hemodialysis, Peritoneal dialysis, and Kidney transplant.
Stage 5: Kidney Failure
The Estimated GFR Rate- Stage 5 CKD is also known as an end-stage renal disease where the eGFR rate is less than 15 for 3 months with repeat testing. For this reason, people with stage 5 CKD have more kidney complications like serious acid-base imbalance, accumulation of high potassium in the blood( hyperkalemia), and calcium and phosphorus minerals imbalance causing bone disorders. Individuals living with stage 5 CKD are closer to kidney failure where the two – bean-shaped organ has stopped doing its job to filter waste from the blood.
Symptoms and Management- If you are diagnosed with stage 5 CKD, symptoms like itching, muscle cramps, changes in your skin color, and skin pigmentation occur. Moreover, if kidneys are no longer able to perform their job then patients will need dialysis, hemodialysis, or a kidney transplant to survive.
Millions of people die due to progressive loss of glomerular function and less access to affordable treatments. Therefore, consult the best healthcare provider to know the GFR rate and how well your kidney is filtering waste.
