The Different Levels of Chronic Kidney Disease

Worldwide, CKD affects nearly 10 percent of the population.

It occurs more often in women than in men.

It is a very slow decline in kidney function. The early signs remain silent.

It leads to the late detection of a kidney disorder.

What Are Kidney Diseases?

It is the dysfunction of the kidneys. The kidneys remove toxins in urine.

The kidney is not able to filter waste. The waste accumulates in the body. It leads to fluid retention.

What Causes Kidney Diseases?

The two major causes are –

• Diabetes – Very high glucose levels damage blood vessels. Impair protein absorption. It causes protein to leak in the urine.
• High blood pressure – It causes constriction in the blood vessels. It obstructs blood flow to the kidneys.

The Other Causes of Kidney Disease –

• • Genetic issues
• • Inflammation in the nephrons
• • Kidney stones
• • Kidney infections
• • Kidney cysts
• • Renal cancer

Lifestyle Factors That Harm the Kidneys –

• • Obesity
• • Lack of sleep
• • Dehydration
• • Poor diet
• • High sugars and salts
• • Consuming processed food and meat
• • Alcohol
• • Smoking
• • Lack of exercise

The Kidney Disease Types

Acute Kidney Disease

It is a sudden decline in kidney function.

It is caused by an injury to the nephrons.

The loss of function can occur in a few hours or days.

Chronic Kidney Disease

It is the gradual loss of kidney function.

The symptoms are not visible.

CKD shows up with symptoms at advanced stages.

What Are the Types of Kidney Disease Stages?

The stages of kidney disease include –

Acute damage, sudden loss of functions.

Long-term damage or CKD stages:

The stage of kidney dysfunction is measured by GFR. It includes 5 stages –

Stage 1

The glomerular filtration rate does not change.

The protein is leaked in urine. It is the loss of blood in urine.

Stage 2

A slight deflection in kidney functions. There is a decrease in GFR.

There is a continuous loss of protein. It does not show physical symptoms.

Stage 3

It is a moderate decrease in GFR. The symptoms become visible.

It causes swelling in the hands and feet.

• • Weakness
• • Low back pain
• • Anemia

Stage 4

It includes a severe decline in filtration rate. Waste builds up in the blood. It is the stage at, the kidney disorder has progressed to the advanced stage.

• • Extreme fatigue
• • Swelling of feet and hands
• • Loss of appetite
• • Metallic taste
• • Muscle cramps
• • Skin issues
• • Uncontrolled BP

Stage 5

It is the loss of all kidney functions. It leads to kidney failure.

The treatment includes dialysis or transplant.

It includes –

• • Confusion
• • Nausea
• • Vomiting
• • Fluid retention
• • Shooting BP
• • Shortness of breath

How to Prevent CKD?

CKD Can Be Prevented by Controlling Risks –

• • Managing Blood pressure.
• • Controlling diabetes.

Maintaining healthy habits and timely intervention can reduce CKD occurrence.

Eating a Healthy Diet –

• • Fruits, whole grains.
• • Avoiding excess sugars and salts.

Regular Physical Exercise

Maintain weight.

Reduce alcohol or smoking.

Conclusion

The progression of kidney disease to the advanced stage can be prevented.

By knowing about the disease and its symptoms.

Managing medical conditions.

A better lifestyle and early care prevent kidney failure.