What Are the Stages of Kidney Disease?
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a progressive condition that advances slowly over the years. If caught early on, lifestyle changes and medications can help slow down or even prevent its progression. At Texas Advanced Renal Health, our goal is to help our valued patients live healthy, fulfilling lives. We’re here to support you and your kidney health every step of the way!
What Are the Stages of Chronic Kidney Disease?
The National Kidney Foundation (NKF) outlined five stages of kidney disease. Each stage is determined using the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which shows how well the kidneys filter waste. It’s also determined by the eGFR or estimated glomerular filtration rate, a formula using the patient’s age, gender, race, and serum creatinine level.
In the early stages (stages 1-3), the kidney can still filter waste from your blood. In the later stages (stages 4-5), the kidneys have to work harder to filter your blood and sometimes stop working altogether. At Texas Advanced Renal Health, our goal is to help slow down the damage and keep your kidneys functioning well for as long as possible.
Early Kidney Disease: Stages 1-3
Stage 1: GFR 90 or greater – In this stage, you have normal kidney function and shouldn’t have any symptoms, but tests may show signs of mild kidney damage, including the presence of protein in the urine.
Stage 2: GFR 60-89 – In this stage, the kidneys continue to work well, but there are signs of damage, which may not be reversible. However, making healthy choices can slow down the damage.
Stage 3: GFR 30-59 – Here, the kidney function is moderately reduced. Stage 3 is separated into two stages:
- Stage 3a – GFR 45 – 59
- Stage 3b – GFR 30 – 44
In stage 3 CKD, your kidneys don’t work the way they should to filter waste and excess fluid from your blood. You may experience complications, including high blood pressure and bone disease. Moreover, you may have symptoms, including swelling of the hands or feet or an overall feeling of weakness and fatigue.
Many patients don’t move past this stage with healthy lifestyle changes and treatment. Make sure to consult with the team at Texas Advanced Renal Health. We’ll work alongside you to maintain your kidney health and prevent further damage.
Advanced Kidney Disease: Stages 4-5
Stage 4: GFR 15-29 – This stage is characterized by moderate to severe kidney damage. The kidneys don’t effectively filter waste from the blood, often leading to high blood pressure, bone disease, and heart disease. Most patients experience symptoms, such as swelling of the hands and feet and pain in the lower back.
Stage 4 is the last stage before kidney failure, so it’s essential to consult with your trusted team at Texas Advanced Renal Health. We’ll work with you to slow the kidney damage and plan for possible treatment options for kidney failure.
Stage 5: GFR less than 15 – During this stage, the kidneys are close to failure or have already failed. Survival depends on getting dialysis or a kidney transplant. Dr. Sadeddin and his team at Texas Advanced Renal Health will walk you through your options and provide you with the highest level of care.
Chronic Kidney Disease Treatment and Management in McKinney, TX
Visit Texas Advanced Renal Health to learn more about the treatment and management of chronic kidney disease. Our team is committed to ensuring your kidneys function their best as long as possible. Call 972-548-4833 to schedule your appointment today!