Your kidneys play a vital role in keeping you healthy. They filter out waste material from your body and prevent its accumulation. Your kidneys perform homeostasis. If they do not work well, toxins accumulate in your body leading to severe adverse effects.
If your kidneys do not work well, you need to get frequent dialysis or a kidney transplant. Often kidneys stop working slowly and gradually- a condition known as chronic kidney disease.
Generally, kidney disease does not show any symptoms in the initial stage. Therefore the patient does not get to know about it. However, if it is diagnosed at an early stage, your healthcare providers may advise you on dietary restrictions that can help slow down its progress.
The leading causes of kidney disease are hypertension and diabetes. They can damage your kidneys if they remain uncontrolled. Therefore you must keep your blood sugar levels and blood pressure well under control. Keep an eye on both and monitor them closely.
In this article, we will discuss the symptoms and stages of kidney disease. You must take good care of your kidneys so that they stay healthy. If you are at increased risk of developing kidney disease, you must consult with a healthcare provider. To get an expert opinion, you can visit Darul Sehat Hospital.
Stage 1 Kidney Disease
In stage 1 kidney disease, there are nearly no symptoms and one may not even get to know about the disease. The damage to the kidneys at this stage is quite mild. At this stage, your kidneys can adapt well to the damage because they are working above 90%.
Stage 1 kidney disease can be diagnosed with routine blood and urine tests. Your healthcare providers may order those tests if you have diabetes and hypertension. To prevent its progression, keep your blood pressure and blood sugar levels under control and well managed, eat a healthy diet, and maintain a daily physical activity.
Stage 2 Kidney Disease
At stage 2 kidney disease, your kidneys are working between 60 to 89%. You may have symptoms, such as itching, sleep problems, fatigue, loss of appetite, and unintentional weight loss.
Your healthcare providers can not treat the condition but can help play a role in stopping its progression. Therefore you must attend your frequent visits with the healthcare providers.
Stage 3 Kidney Disease
Stage 3 kidney disease can be classified into further two stages, stage 3A and 3B. In stage 3A, the kidney functioning is 45 to 59%, and in 3B, it is 30 to 44%.
At this stage, kidneys are not working well, and toxins build up. The symptoms become more apparent and bothersome. It may cause the signs and symptoms such as fatigue, back pain, persistent itching, loss of appetite, swelling of the hands and feet, sleep problems, weakness, and unintentional weight loss. However, some people may not have these symptoms at stage 3. It differs from person to person.
Stage 3 kidney disease can lead to complications, such as anemia, bone disease, and high blood pressure. Your healthcare providers manage these complications by prescribing medications.
Stage 4 Kidney Disease
Stage 4 indicates moderate to severe kidney damage when they function between 15 to 29%. At this stage, you may have more severe symptoms such as back pain, decreased mental sharpness, chest pain, fatigue, muscle twitches, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath, swelling of hands and feet, and a change in urination frequency.
Stage 5 Kidney Disease
At stage 5, your kidneys are working lower than 15%. This stage can be life-threatening. You will be requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant at this stage, also known as end-stage renal disease.
The symptoms may become quite severe and complications occur such as anemia, bone pain, and hypertension. The risk of heart disease is also increased.
If you have kidney disease, you must visit a healthcare provider. To get an expert opinion, you can consult with a Nephrologist in Karachi.