Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a condition where the kidneys slowly stop working well over time. This causes a buildup of waste and fluid in the body, leading to various health problems. CKD has different stages depending on how much kidney function is lost. In the early stages, there may be few symptoms, but as the disease gets worse, symptoms can become more severe. Common causes of CKD include diabetes, high blood pressure and genetics.
Managing CKD involves treating these underlying causes, making changes to your lifestyle, and sometimes using medications or dialysis to help slow down the disease and control symptoms.
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is divided into five stages based on how well your kidneys are functioning. Here's a simplified explanation of each stage:
- Stage 1: Kidney damage with normal or slightly increased filtration rate (GFR ≥ 90). Usually, there are no symptoms, but tests show some kidney damage.
- Stage 2: Mild reduction in kidney function (GFR 60-89). Kidney damage and mild symptoms like fatigue or changes in urination may start to appear.
- Stage 3: Moderate reduction in kidney function (GFR 30-59). Symptoms like swelling in the hands and feet, back pain, or changes in urination become more noticeable.
- Stage 4: Severe reduction in kidney function (GFR 15-29). Symptoms worsen, including fatigue, nausea, difficulty concentrating, and a higher risk of complications.
- Stage 5: Kidney failure (GFR < 15 or on dialysis). This is the most severe stage where the kidneys can no longer filter waste products and fluids effectively. Dialysis or a kidney transplant may be necessary to survive.
These stages help doctors understand how advanced kidney disease is and guide treatment decisions to manage symptoms and slow down further kidney damage.