Chronic Kidney Failure (CKF), commonly known as Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) or Chronic Renal Failure (CRF), is a silent but progressive health condition that may adversely affect your health before symptoms arise. The progression from healthy kidneys to kidney failure is divided into five phases, each indicating how effectively your kidneys filter waste material from your blood.
Understanding these stages, from the early, almost invisible signs in Stage 1 to the life-altering challenges of Stage 5, is essential for controlling symptoms, delaying complications, and enhancing quality of life.
Whether you’re recently diagnosed, caring for a loved one, or simply curious about how kidney function affects the body, this article on Chronic Kidney Failure stages gives the information you need to act quickly and wisely.
Chronic Kidney Failure stages
Chronic Kidney Failure is divided into 5 phases relying upon the estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR), which evaluates how successfully the kidneys remove waste from the blood. The staging system helps with diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment options. eGFR is the most reliable overall indicator of kidney function.
It is calculated based on blood creatinine levels, age, gender, and body size. The result is expressed in mL/min per 1.73 m² of body surface area. The following table gives you a quick idea about these 5 stages of Chronic Kidney Failure:
| Stage | eGFR | Kidney function |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | ≥ 90 | Normal or high |
| 2 | 60-80 | Mild decrease |
| 3a | 45-59 | Mild to moderate decline |
| 3b | 30-44 | Moderate to severe decrease |
| 4 | 15-29 | Severe decrease in kidney function |
| 5 | < 15 | Kidney failure (End-Stage Renal Disease – ESRD) |
Now, let’s discuss these Chronic Kidney Failure stages in detail.
Chronic Kidney Failure stage 1
In the early stages of CKF, kidney damage is present, but the kidneys continue to function normally. The eGFR is 90 mL/min/1.73 m² or more. Kidney damage can be diagnosed by the presence of protein (albumin) in the urine (Proteinuria), blood in the urine (Hematuria), or physical abnormalities in the kidney structure identified through imaging techniques.
Symptoms: Most people with Stage 1 CKD do not have any apparent symptoms as their remaining kidney function is sufficient to compensate for the damaged portions.
Management: At this stage, the primary goal is to discover the underlying cause of kidney damage and apply treatments to stop its progression. This may involve:
- Managing blood pressure through lifestyle modifications and medicines. Cheap Medicine Shop offers affordable blood pressure medicines like Lipril 5 mg tablets to help manage high blood pressure and support better kidney health.
- Controlling blood glucose levels in Diabetes patients.
- Treating any underlying kidney illness, such as Glomerulonephritis.
- Making healthy lifestyle choices, including eating a well-balanced diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding smoking.
- Regularly examining kidney function and urine protein levels.
Chronic Kidney Failure stage 2
Stage 2 CKF is characterized by a mild decline in kidney function with eGFR between 60 and 80 mL/min/1.73 m².
Symptoms: Many people with Stage 2 CKD may not exhibit symptoms. However, some people might start showing early symptoms such as:
- Protein in the urine (Proteinuria)
- High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
- Swelling of the hands and feet
- Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
- Reduced or increased urination
- Fatigue
Management: Management techniques for Stage 2 CKD are similar to those for Stage 1, with a continued focus on reducing the progression of kidney disease and addressing related illnesses such as Hypertension and Diabetes. More regular monitoring of kidney function and urine may be required.
Chronic Kidney Failure stage 3
Stage 3 Chronic Kidney Failure is subdivided into two substages:
- Stage 3a indicates moderate kidney function decline (eGFR = 45-59 mL/min/1.73 m²).
- Stage 3b indicates a moderate to severe loss of kidney function (eGFR = 30-44 mL/min/1.73 m²).
At this point, the kidneys are not filtering waste as efficiently, and waste materials might begin to accumulate in the blood.
Symptoms: Chronic Kidney Failure stage 3 symptoms become more common and may include:
- Fatigue and weakness
- Swelling in the hands, feet, and ankles
- Backache
- Urination changes (frequency or quantity)
- Sleep issues
Management: Stage 3 CKD requires more intense measures to reduce kidney damage and control complications. This includes:
- Close tracking of blood pressure and blood sugar.
- Following a kidney-friendly Chronic Kidney failure diet, which may consist of restricting protein, salt, potassium, and phosphorus consumption.
- Medications for treating Anemia (low red blood cell count) and bone damage.
- Regular monitoring of kidney function, electrolytes, and other blood indicators.
Chronic Kidney Failure stage 4
Stage 4 CKD indicates a significant decline in renal function. The eGFR varies from 15 to 29 mL/min/1.73 m². At this point, the kidneys are severely damaged, making complications more probable.
Symptoms: People with Stage 4 CKD frequently suffer more significant symptoms, including:
- Increased tiredness and weakness
- Significant swelling
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Changes in taste
- Difficulty concentrating
- Itchy skin
- Muscle cramping
- Shortness of breath
Management: Nephrologists (kidney doctors) must closely monitor patients with stage 4 CKF. The goal of treatment is to delay the onset of kidney failure and prepare for possible kidney replacement procedures. Some common management techniques include:
- Strict management of blood pressure, blood sugar, Anemia, and bone disease.
- Strict adherence to a kidney-friendly diet.
- Medications for electrolyte imbalance.
- Awareness about kidney failure treatment alternatives, such as dialysis and transplantation.
Chronic Kidney Failure stage 5
Stage 5 CKF, commonly known as kidney failure or End-stage Renal Disease (ESRD), is a crucial stage in which the kidneys have almost completely lost their capacity to function. The eGFR is lesser than 15 mL/min/1.73 m², or the individual needs dialysis or has undergone a kidney transplant.
Without kidney replacement therapy, waste products and excess fluid accumulate to life-threatening quantities in the body.
Symptoms: Chronic Kidney Failure stage 5 symptoms are severe and may include:
- Excessive fatigue and weakness
- Severe swelling throughout the body
- Consistent nausea and vomiting
- Loss of appetite and weight loss
- Urination patterns vary significantly (very little or no pee)
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest pain
- Confusion and difficulties focusing
- Seizures
Management: The main treatments for Stage 5 CKD are:
- Dialysis: It is a medical technique that eliminates waste products and extra liquid from the blood circulation when the kidneys can no longer do so. There are two major types: hemodialysis (a machine filters blood) and peritoneal dialysis (the peritoneum of a person’s abdomen filters blood).
- Kidney transplantation: It is the surgical replacement of a damaged kidney with a healthy one from a donor.
Supportive treatment, such as medication and dietary management, is also essential for managing symptoms and improving quality of life.
Conclusion
Chronic Kidney Failure proceeds slowly through five stages, each representing a silent and gradual decline in kidney function measured in the estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR). In the early Chronic Kidney Failure stages (1-3), symptoms are frequently minor or nonexistent, making regular screening and early diagnosis essential for effective treatment.
As the illness progresses to stages 4 and 5, kidney function declines considerably, resulting in the buildup of waste products and fluids and the beginning of complications such as High Blood Pressure, Anemia, bone disease, and cardiovascular problems. At stage 5, or End-stage Renal Disease, dialysis or kidney transplants are needed for survival.
Early diagnosis, lifestyle changes, and strict medical supervision at each stage can delay development, enhance living, and reduce the chances of complications, highlighting the necessity of proactive kidney health management.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does having stage 4 Chronic Kidney Failure affect your weight?
Yes, stage 4 CKF can affect weight due to fluid retention, lack of hunger, nausea, and muscle loss. Patients may experience weight gain from swelling or reduced nutrition and muscle mass loss.
Why is phosphorus restricted in CKD?
Impaired kidneys cannot eliminate excess phosphorus, resulting in bone weakness and vascular calcification. Managing phosphorus intake can help avoid mineral and bone diseases in stages 3-5.
Can CKD impair fertility?
Yes, CKD can impair fertility by changing hormone levels, menstruation, and ovulation in women and lowering testosterone and sperm quality in males. Advanced phases worsen these consequences, making conceiving more difficult without medical assistance.
Can medications worsen CKD progression?
Yes, certain medicines, such as Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) and some antibiotics, can worsen CKD by damaging renal tissue or decreasing blood flow. Patients with CKD must check their prescriptions frequently and avoid nephrotoxic (kidney-damaging) substances wherever possible.
Can CKD stages be reversed if caught early?
No. Although early stages (1 and 2) may stabilize or slightly improve with strict management of blood pressure, Diabetes, and lifestyle, CKD is usually progressive and not fully reversible, especially in later stages.
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