Stages of Chronic Kidney Disease

Chronic kidney disease usually means that the kidneys have been under pressure for quite a while and they are not able to

filter the blood properly. Broadly, there are 5 chronic kidney disease stages which have different chronic kidney disease treatment regimens and symptoms associated with each of them: 

Stage 1: This is associated with mild ailments in the kidneys which still allow the kidneys to operate at 90% of its efficiency.

However, this stage is usually discovered by chance in the course of routine check-ups. In this case, a doctor would

usually recommend more damage prevention techniques over chronic kidney disease treatment.

Stage 2:  This stage is said to occur when the kidneys are operating between 60 and 89 percent. Although symptoms may not be

alarming, this stage must prompt you to prevent further damage than going on another chronic kidney disease treatment regime.  

Stage 3:  In this stage, the kidneys find it difficult to filter waste and these ailments slowly start piling up. Chronic kidney disease symptoms
at stage 3 might be miniscule, however, seek guidance if you experience any of the following: 

- Back pain 

- Fatigue 

- Appetite loss 

- Itching 

- Problems sleeping 

- Frequent or lesser urination

At this stage, a chronic kidney disease treatment would usually cover information on managing your conditions either through medication or dietary changes.

Stage 4: This stage is representative of moderate to severe kidney damage. The kidneys at this stage usually function between

15 and 29 percent and may lead to piling up of toxins, fluids, and waste materials in the body. Progression from these phases

must be curbed as it may lead to kidney failure.

Chronic kidney disease symptoms for stage 4:

- Back pain

- Chest pain

- Fatigue

- Muscle twitches or cramps

- Nausea and vomiting

- Shortness of breath

Swelling of the hands and feet

This is a critical phase as doctor’s weigh every decision against the chances of a failure which may then lead to

dialysis and / or transplant as the only chronic kidney disease treatment applicable. 

Stage 5: This stage calls for immediate action as kidney function would have dropped to 15 percent or below. This stage may even be indicative of complete kidney failure. When that happens, the build-up of waste and toxins becomes life-threatening.

This stage leaves Haemodialysis and Peritoneal Dialysis as the only two options for kidney disease treatment in India.