Kidney Failure Stages
Renal failure is grouped into five stages. These stages rank from stage 1 (very mild) to stage 5 (complete kidney failure). Complications and symptoms arise as the stages proceed.
Stage 1
It is a very mild stage. You may have no visible complications and any symptoms. However, some damage is present. Slow progression is still possible by keeping a healthy lifestyle. This includes regular exercise, eating a well-balanced diet, and avoiding tobacco products. Keeping a healthy weight is also important. It is critical to check your blood sugar if you have diabetes.
Stage 2
Stage 2 is still regarded as a mild form, but detectable issues like physical damage to kidneys or protein presence in urine may be more prominent.
The precautionary measures used in stage 1 are still helpful in stage 2. You should also discuss other risk factors that lead to the disease’s progression with your doctor. These include blood disorders, heart disease, and inflammation.
Stage 3
Kidney disease is considered moderate at stage 3. Your kidneys are not working optimally. This stage is sometimes further divided into 3A and 3B. This division is based on a blood test that measures the amount of waste products in your body.
Symptoms, such as changes in urination, swelling in hands and feet, and back pain, may become more apparent. Lifestyle approaches may help, but medications are the mainstay of treatment.
Stage 4
Stage 4 disease is considered moderate to severe. You are not in a state of complete kidney failure yet, but the kidneys aren’t working well. Symptoms can include kidney failure complications like bone disease, anemia, and high blood pressure. Lifestyle is still vital but plays a minor role in halting disease progression. Your physician will likely have you on specific treatment options designed to slow the kidney damage.
Stage 5
In stage 5, your kidneys are in complete failure. Symptoms may include itchy skin, vomiting and nausea, trouble breathing, and more.
At this stage, regular dialysis or a kidney transplant is only a viable treatment option.
