Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a gradual decline in kidney function over time, although in most cases it goes unnoticed in its early stages. If left untreated, it can greatly impact a person's health and life and even lead to death. The purpose of this blog post is to discuss - What happens when you have Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), What are the four stages of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), What is Stage 1 Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), How Long Do Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Patients Live?. To know and understand about these questions will help us to take prompt decision and act quickly as this will be highly important for CKD patients.
What is Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) ?
Kidney is an essential organ of human life, which removes waste products from the blood, filters excess water and toxins from the body, regulates electrolytes and produces some essential hormones. Some long-term diseases, long-term nutritional deficiency. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) occurs when these kidney functions begin to deteriorate due to bad habits and lifestyle. Among these long-term diseases, diabetes, high blood pressure, and some autoimmune diseases such as lupus are the most likely to develop chronic kidney disease (CKD) conditions.
And when a person has kidney problems, waste
materials start accumulating in the blood. As a result, the person may
experience symptoms such as fatigue, bloating and changes in urination. In
severe cases, untreated chronic kidney disease (CKD) can lead to kidney
failure. As a result, dialysis or kidney transplant may be decided to sustain
life.
What are the 4 stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD).
Chronic kidney disease
(CKD) is classified into four stages based on the glomerular filtration rate
(GFR). Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is a measure of how efficiently the
kidneys are filtering blood. And these measurements or stages help doctors to
determine the severity of the disease and appropriate treatment.
Stage 1: Mild Renal Impairment (GFR ≥ 90 ml/min)
This is the earliest stage
of chronic kidney disease (CKD), where the kidneys are functioning well despite
being slightly damaged. In fact, chronic diseases like diabetes or high blood pressure
and their treatment can increase the pressure. And in most cases, people do not
even know or understand that their body has developed a condition such as
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), because in most cases there are no noticeable
symptoms.
Key Features of This Stage :
(a) Normal renal function
is maintained
(b) Examination reveals
protein in the urine (proteinuria), which is an early sign of kidney damage
(c) No symptoms at all,
very mild symptoms may occur
Focus – At this stage of
chronic kidney disease the priority should be to identify the underlying causes
of kidney damage and manage or prevent them.
Stage 2: Mild Decline in Renal Function (GFR 60–89 ml/min)
Kidney function decreases
during this stage, but most people remain asymptomatic. Blood or urine tests
may show abnormalities such as high levels of creatinine or protein in the
urine.
Key features of this stage:
(a) The filtering capacity
of the kidney is slightly reduced
(b) Slight increase in
blood pressure or body swelling may occur
(c) Very minimal symptoms
may be observed
Focus - The progression of kidney damage can be slowed by blood sugar control, blood pressure control, proper diet and lifestyle changes.
Stage 3 : Moderate Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) (GFR 30–59 ml/min)
In the third stage of
chronic kidney disease, kidney function is moderately reduced and symptoms
begin to appear. Symptoms may include fatigue, changes in urination, and body
swelling.
Key Features of This Stage :
(a) Glomerular filtration
rate (GFR) may be significantly reduced
(b) Accumulation of waste
products in the blood (uremia)
(c) Lack of essential
minerals in the body can lead to bone problems or heart problems
Focus – Regular monitoring and a targeted treatment are essential to slow the rate of progression of kidney damage and to deal with the physical complications that arise.
Stage 4 : Severe Stage of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) (GFR <30 ml/min)
The fourth stage of
chronic kidney disease is a serious and complicated stage. At this stage,
kidney function is severely reduced. Symptoms in the body become more
pronounced and the risk of complications of anemia, high blood pressure and
various serious heart problems increases.
Key Features of This Stage:
(a) Kidney function is
severely reduced
(b) Significant symptoms
such as difficulty concentrating, body restlessness and nausea occur
(c) Severe risk of kidney
failure occurs
Focus – Prioritize the need for urgent medical procedures such as kidney dialysis or kidney transplant.
What Happens in Stage 1 Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) ?
Stage 1 or first stage of
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is often overlooked. Because the kidney of a
person at this stage works almost like a healthy person's kidney, although the
kidney is slightly damaged at this stage. In addition, almost no symptoms can
be observed. Early kidney damage can be caused by poor control of blood sugar
levels, neglect of hypertension treatment and genetic predisposition.
Symptoms of Stage 1 Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) :
(a) Almost no symptoms are
observed in most cases, mild symptoms may occur in some cases
(b) Protein in urine
(proteinuria) may occur in some cases
(c) Slight variation in
blood pressure may occur
Some Lifestyle Tips for Managing Stage 1 Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD):
(1) Control Blood Sugar and Blood Pressure : Blood sugar and blood pressure are the two most significant causes of kidney damage are: So try to keep these two under control.
(2) Eat a kidney-friendly diet : Eat less salt, limit processed foods and increase the amount of fruits and vegetables in your daily diet.
(3) Increase physical activity : Regular exercise helps in increasing the overall functioning of the kidneys along with increasing blood circulation. So try to increase physical activity.
(4) Drink water in moderation : Drink water according to your body's needs. Remember, it is good for the kidneys to avoid excess hydration during this stage.
(5) Quit smoking : Smoking damages blood vessels in the body, which can accelerate kidney damage. So it is better to quit smoking.
Remember, it is possible
to slow down or prevent kidney deterioration from the early stages of Chronic
Kidney Disease (CKD) through proper awareness, proper decision-making and
shaping their performance.
How long Do Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Live ?
Survival of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) varies depending on the time of detection and stage of the problem, their underlying health, and their adherence to treatment. But it must be remembered that a diagnosis of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) does not mean a death warrant. It is possible to slow down the rate of kidney deterioration as well as prevent it through timely detection, right decision making, right eating habits and right lifestyle changes.
Here we discuss some of the factors that can affect the survival or
death of patients with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) –
1) Age and Overall Health : Younger patients with no additional health problems have better outcomes.
2) Stage of Diagnosis : Early-stage CKD (stages 1-2) often has little impact on life expectancy if managed effectively. In contrast, advanced stages (3-4) can shorten life expectancy, especially if complications such as heart disease occur.
3) Treatment and Lifestyle Choices : A healthy diet, regular exercise, and medications to control blood pressure or diabetes can slow progression and improve quality of life.
Average Life Expectancy :
Stage 1 CKD : With good management, life expectancy is close to normal.
Stage 2 CKD : Patients can live many years without major problems.
Stage 3 CKD : Life expectancy may be slightly reduced depending on other health conditions.
Stage 4 CKD : Life expectancy can vary widely; Proper treatment can still lead to years of productive life.
For patients with advanced CKD or kidney failure, dialysis or kidney
transplantation can significantly extend life.
CKD : FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions)
1) What are the Early Signs
of CKD ?
Ans ) : Chronic Kidney
Disease (CKD) often has no noticeable symptoms in its early stages. However,
signs like protein in the urine (proteinuria) or increased levels of creatinine
in the blood can help in early diagnosis. Regular health check-ups are
essential for timely detection.
2) Can CKD Progression be Halted ?
Ans ) : While CKD cannot be reversed, its progression can be effectively slowed down. This requires proper management of conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure, along with adopting a healthy lifestyle, which includes a balanced diet and regular exercise.
3) Which Foods should CKD Patients Avoid ?
Ans ) : Patients with CKD
should limit foods high in sodium, potassium, and phosphorus. Examples include
processed meats, salty snacks, and certain fruits like bananas. A
kidney-friendly diet can help reduce strain on the kidneys and improve overall
health.
4) Does CKD Always Lead to Kidney Failure ?
Ans ) : No, CKD does not
always progress to kidney failure. Early detection and proper management can
slow or even stop the progression of the disease, allowing many individuals to
maintain kidney function for years.
5) How Does CKD Affect Cardiovascular Health ?
Ans ) : CKD increases the
risk of heart problems due to shared risk factors like high blood pressure and
diabetes. Additionally, the buildup of toxins in the blood can lead to further
cardiovascular complications. Proper treatment helps reduce these risks.
6) Is Dialysis Inevitable for CKD Patients ?
Ans ) : Dialysis is only
required in the most advanced stage of CKD (Stage 5 or End-Stage Renal
Disease). With early diagnosis and the right treatment plan, most CKD patients
can manage their condition without needing dialysis.
Living With CKD
Chronic kidney disease is a serious but manageable condition.
Understanding the stages and taking proactive steps can make a significant
difference in slowing its progression. If you are diagnosed with CKD, regular
check-ups, a balanced lifestyle and following medical advice are your best
tools for maintaining kidney health.
It is important to act quickly. Whether you're at risk or already
diagnosed, remember that small changes today can lead to better health
tomorrow. Feel free to ask any queries regarding this at comment box, will try
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Your kidneys are your
body's filters—take care of them, and they'll take care of you!