What is Chronic Kidney Disease and the Stages of Chronic Kidney Disease?
Your kidneys help keep your body healthy. The kidneys are the organs that filter out waste and excess fluid from your bloodstream; think of them like the purifier for your body. It maintains a proper balance of minerals like sodium and potassium and helps control blood pressure. But when your kidneys don’t function properly over a period of time, it can lead to a condition known as chronic kidney disease (CKD).
It is a long-term condition that develops slowly and can cause serious health problems if untreated. Fortunately, the disease can be treated with proper medical attention and lifestyle changes if detected early. This article aims to explain chronic kidney disease, including its stages, diagnosis, and management, so that you can live a healthy life.
What is Chronic Kidney Disease?
Chronic kidney disease definition: CKD is a long-term condition where the kidneys lose their ability to filter waste and balance fluids efficiently. This damage usually happens gradually, over months or years.
Common causes of chronic kidney disease
Diabetes: This condition injures the blood vessels of the kidneys due to high blood sugar.
High blood pressure: Constant pressure can weaken kidney function.
Glomerulonephritis: This is the inflammation of the tiny filters of the kidney.
Polycystic kidney disease: A genetic condition that causes cysts to form in the kidneys.
Frequent use of certain painkillers: That is, staying away from the extended use of NSAIDs like ibuprofen.
Common chronic kidney disease symptoms
Fatigue and weakness
Swelling in legs, ankles, or feet
Changes in urination (foamy, dark, or less frequent)
Nausea and loss of taste and/or a metallic taste
Itching of the skin and shortness of breath
How is Chronic Kidney Disease Diagnosed?
Health care professionals use simple tests to check how well your kidneys are functioning.
Blood screen (eGFR): Estimates the filtering ability of the kidneys.
Urine check (ACR): Checks for protein in the urine, which is an early indicator of kidney damage.
Blood pressure reading: A high reading could indicate kidney problems.
Ultrasound or scans: Detect changes in the size and structure of the kidneys.
If your test results show a problem of more than three months’ duration, your doctor may make the diagnosis of chronic kidney disease.
Stages of Chronic Kidney Disease
Doctors classify chronic kidney disease stages from 1 to 5, depending on how much kidney function your kidneys still have. The lower the number, the milder the damage; the higher, the more severe.
Stage 1 CKD
eGFR ≥ 90 ml/min (normal function but with signs of damage)
Symptoms: Often none; may show protein in urine.
Focus: Control blood pressure and sugar levels, stay hydrated, and monitor kidney function.
Stage 2 CKD
eGFR 60–89 ml/min (mild loss of function)
Symptoms: Usually mild or unnoticed.
Focus: Eat a balanced diet, limit salt, and check kidney function every 6–12 months.
Stage 3 CKD
eGFR 30–59 ml/min (moderate damage)
Symptoms: Fatigue, fluid buildup, or anaemia.
Focus: Start to work more closely with your physician, with the aim of managing complications and adjusting medications to protect your kidneys.
Stage 4 CKD
eGFR 15–29 ml/min (severe damage)
Symptoms: Fatigue, oedema, poor appetite, or cramps.
Focus: You should prepare for dialysis or transplants as possible kidney replacement options.
Stage 5 CKD (End-Stage Renal Disease – ESRD)
eGFR < 15 ml/min (failing kidney)
Symptoms: Uremia (waste accumulation), nausea, confusion, pruritus, or dyspnea.
Focus: Dialysis or a kidney transplant becomes necessary to survive.
How Can Chronic Kidney Disease Be Managed?
While there’s no complete chronic kidney disease treatment to reverse the damage, the right steps can slow it down and improve quality of life.
Medical treatment and monitoring
Control blood pressure: Take prescribed medicines like ACE inhibitors.
Manage diabetes: Keep blood sugar in a healthy range.
Check kidney function regularly: eGFR and urine tests every few months.
Treat complications: Manage anaemia, bone problems, and fluid buildup.
Lifestyle changes
Eat a low-salt and kidney-friendly diet.
Limit processed foods and control protein intake (as advised by your doctor).
Quit smoking and avoid alcohol.
Stay active; even walking helps.
Avoid over-the-counter painkillers without medical advice.
Advanced treatment options
Dialysis: Removes waste when the kidneys stop working.
Kidney transplant: A healthy kidney replaces the failed one.
Supportive (palliative) care: Helps relieve symptoms and improve comfort.
Conclusion
Chronic kidney disease may feel intimidating. Early detection and maintenance of consistent medical care greatly increase the chances of delaying the progression of the disease. By making periodic visits to the doctor, continuing a healthy lifestyle, and following the doctor's orders, the impairment to the kidneys can be slowed, while at the same time, you feel great. Getting a head start regarding your health and happiness can be your best insurance policy for keeping your kidneys healthy and your life happy.
At NephroPlus, we are committed to helping individuals manage chronic kidney disease through expert guidance, advanced dialysis care, and patient-centred support. If you or your loved one is living with CKD, don’t wait. Visit your nearest NephroPlus centre or book a consultation today to take proactive steps towards better kidney health.
FAQs
Q1. What are the early signs of chronic kidney disease?
Early signs can be hard to notice but may include tiredness, swelling in the ankles, foamy urine, or high blood pressure. Regular checkups can catch CKD early.
Q2. Can chronic kidney disease be reversed?
In most cases, CKD can’t be reversed, but its progression can be slowed significantly with proper management and treatment.
Q3. What lifestyle changes can help manage CKD?
Eat less salt, maintain a healthy weight, quit smoking, manage diabetes, and stay physically active. These habits help protect kidney function.
Q4. How often should kidney function be tested?
If you’re at risk (e.g., diabetes or high blood pressure), get tested at least once a year. Those with diagnosed CKD may need testing every 3–6 months.
Q5. Is there a cure for end-stage kidney disease?
No cure exists, but dialysis or a kidney transplant can replace lost kidney function and allow you to live a longer, healthier life.
