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Chronic Kidney Disease – Its Stages, Symptoms, and Causes

Kidneys balance the body’s salt, acid, and potassium content by removing toxins, waste, and excess fluid. But in cases of chronic kidney disease, the kidneys gradually lose their ability to filter waste from the blood. The condition progresses through stages as symptoms start to develop. Although not completely curable, the condition can be managed effectively. To receive timely treatment, it is crucial to be aware of the various causes, stages, symptoms, and management options for the condition.

Stages of chronic kidney disease

Chronic kidney disease has five stages. In the initial three stages, the kidneys can still filter waste. However, in the latter stages, the kidneys can find it difficult to eliminate waste and function entirely. Doctors use the eGFR test, an estimated glomerular filtration rate that shows the kidney’s ability to filter waste, to determine the severity and advancement of chronic kidney disease. Through this method, doctors estimate the volume of blood successfully filtered by the kidneys per minute by measuring waste molecules. Based on the test results, each stage of chronic kidney disease has an eGFR score. Stage 3 of chronic kidney disease is the middle stage, where the kidneys suffer from mild to moderate damage and cannot work normally.

Chronic kidney disease Stage 3 – Symptoms

Stage 3 is often when the symptoms of kidney disease first appear. In this stage, the eGFR rate is usually between 30 and 59, and it can be divided into two subtypes:

Stage 3A with an eGFR of 45-59 mL/min

Stage 3B with a decreased eGFR of 30-44 mL/min

As the kidneys start losing control over filtering waste, a person might develop a uremia condition. Stage 3 is critical, as the likelihood of developing more complications like high blood pressure, anemia, and bone disease are higher. The symptoms of kidney disease may include:

Fatigue and sleeplessness due to restless legs and muscle cramps

Fluid retention, swelling, and breathing problems

Color changes in the urine from foamy, orange, brown, tea-colored, or red

Kidney pain in the backside

Symptoms, causes, and early signs of kidney problems

Even though chronic kidney disease can worsen the health of the kidneys as one gets older, many people are known to live long and healthy lives. However, it is crucial to have an early diagnosis to help ensure the proper functioning of the kidneys and slow the progression of the disease. Often, chronic kidney disease is caused by some other conditions straining the kidneys, like:

High blood pressure can weaken the small blood vessels in the kidneys, while diabetes can increase the amount of glucose in the blood and affect the filters. Increased levels of cholesterol can fill the blood vessels with fatty deposits. Other kidney infections include polycystic kidney disease, kidney inflammation, and blockages in urine flow.

Loss of proper functioning kidneys can lead to building waste in the bloodstream, causing problems in producing electrolytes. Depending on the severity, here are some signs of kidney problems that one should pay attention to:

Toxins and impurities in the blood can lead to feeling weak. Sometimes, it can also lead to complications like anemia.

When the kidneys face problems in filtering waste, toxins cannot leave the body through urine, affecting one’s sleep cycle. Sleep apnea is also quite common in people with chronic kidney disease compared to others.

Kidneys provide bone strength by maintaining the right amount of body minerals. Hence, dry and itchy skin is often a cause of mineral disease, accompanied by advanced kidney damage.

Damaged kidney filters can also cause one to feel the urge to urinate more often. However, it can also be due to urinary tract infections.

Properly functioning kidneys keep the blood cells in the body while removing waste. However, a sign of damaged kidneys is these blood cells might start leaking out through urine.

Foamy urine and bubbles are the indicators of flushing out a protein called albumin out of the body, which is a sign of improper kidney function.

Flushing out substantial amounts of protein in urine can also cause puffiness in the eyes, a common sign of a damaged filtering system.

Kidney problems can also cause sodium retention, leading to swollen ankles and feet. It can also contribute to electrolyte imbalance, low calcium and phosphorous levels, and increased muscle cramps.

Treatment for kidney disease

The treatment for kidney disease can start with small changes in one’s meal regimen and lifestyle habits. These changes can help one manage the complications and slow down the effects in the later stages. One can start by limiting sodium intake, making wise protein choices, getting enough exercise and sleep, managing stress, and aiming for a healthier weight. As stage 3 approaches, the person should consider consulting a nephrologist.

Even though chronic kidney disease is not reversible, minor changes can make a difference in keeping the kidneys healthy for longer. Adding kidney-friendly foods, consulting a nutritionist, and engaging in regular physical activity can help keep the kidneys healthier.

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