Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a long-term condition that develops slowly when the kidneys stop filtering blood as they should.
The American Journal of Kidney Diseases notes that many people with CKD don’t show symptoms until it’s advanced, which makes early detection even more important.
Doctors track kidney health using the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which shows how well the kidneys are removing waste from the blood.
A GFR of 90 or higher means normal kidney function, but if there are signs of damage like protein in the urine, this could still mean early-stage CKD.
In Stage 1, kidneys work normally, but silent warning signs may already be present—doctors usually advise tighter blood pressure and blood sugar control.
Stage 2 shows a slight drop in kidney function (GFR 60–89), but again, symptoms are rare; routine testing can catch it in people already managing other health conditions.
At Stage 3 (split into 3a and 3b), kidney function drops more noticeably, and fatigue, swelling, and changes in urination may begin.
“About 1 in 10 adults may have stage 3 CKD without realizing it,” the journal reveals, stressing the value of early treatment with medication and regular checkups.
Stage 4 (GFR 15–29) often brings clearer symptoms—loss of appetite, swelling, and trouble focusing—prompting doctors to prepare for dialysis or transplant.
The National Kidney Foundation advises that patients at this stage need close monitoring from a nephrologist to avoid life-threatening complications.
Stage 5 means kidney failure (GFR below 15); at this point, dialysis or transplant becomes necessary for survival.
Symptoms can include nausea, breathlessness, confusion, and severe fatigue, but with treatment, people can still lead long lives.
CKD moves slowly, which is why regular testing is crucial, especially for people with diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of kidney problems.
Catching kidney disease early gives people more options to stay healthy and avoid serious issues down the line.
Article updated 3 weeks ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
