Kidney disease has five stages based on the rate of loss of kidney function, determined by creatinine levels in the blood. Stage one has no symptoms and normal kidney function, while stage five, or end stage renal disease, requires dialysis or a kidney transplant to save the patient’s life.
There are five different stages of kidney disease, each classified according to the rate of loss of kidney function. This is mainly determined by the level of a waste material known as creatinine in the blood. Higher creatinine levels indicate greater loss of kidney function. Glomerular filtration rate, or GFR, is a mathematical formulation designed to determine how much kidney function is present, and is based on factors such as age, gender, and creatinine levels.
Stage one is the first of five stages of kidney disease. There are usually no symptoms associated with this stage, and many patients may not yet know they have kidney disease. GFR levels are 90% or more in stage one, which means the patient has normal or near-normal kidney function. While there is no cure for kidney disease, treatment options are designed to keep your kidneys functioning for as long as possible. Protein and sodium may be limited in this stage and underlying conditions such as high blood pressure should be monitored.
Stages two and three of kidney disease indicate mild to moderate loss of kidney function. The GFR rate for stage two is between 60 and 89, while stage three involves a GFR between 30 and 59. Symptoms such as fatigue, swelling or pain in the kidneys may start to develop in these stages. Depending on the results of your blood tests, some nutrients, such as calcium and phosphorus, may be restricted in these stages of kidney disease.
Stage IV kidney disease indicates severe loss of kidney function, and GFR levels are between 15 and 29. Nausea, vomiting, and weight loss are common in this stage. A kidney specialist known as a nephrologist should be consulted at this stage so that further treatment options can be discussed. At this point, dialysis or transplant options are discussed and a surgical entry point known as a fistula may be performed in preparation for dialysis treatment.
Stage five is the last of the stages of kidney disease and carries a GFR level below 15. This stage is referred to as end stage renal disease or ESRD. Symptoms often include muscle pain, numbness or tingling, and fatigue so severe that the patient can barely function. At this point, dialysis or a kidney transplant is required to save the patient’s life. Any questions or concerns about the various stages of kidney disease or the most appropriate individualized treatment options should be discussed with a doctor or other medical professional.
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