Understanding stage 3 chronic kidney disease
More than 1 in 7 American suffer from chronic kidney disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Chronic kidney disease, sometimes referred to by the medical abbreviation of CKD, is a progressive condition that results in the steady loss of normal kidney function, the severity of which is determined based on blood tests measuring estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFR).
An eGFR blood test is a reliable indicator of how well your kidneys are working, and the results are used to determine your CKD staging.
There are five stages of kidney disease, with stage 1 being the mildest and stage 5 being the most severe.
Although kidney disease is not always progressive, kidney function worsens at each stage. Therefore, depending on the stage, your kidney doctor or nephrologist will recommend specific steps to help slow development.
This blog post will focus specifically on stage 3 kidney disease, its causes, and how to slow the progression of chronic kidney disease stage 3 after your diagnosis.
What is stage 3 chronic kidney disease?
CKD stage 3 is a critical stage in the progression of chronic kidney disease. At this stage, the kidneys are moderately damaged, and their ability to filter waste and excess fluid from the body is significantly reduced. As a result, waste products can build up in the bloodstream, leading to various complications and health problems.
A person who is diagnosed with stage 3 kidney disease falls into one of two categories based on their eGFR results:
Stage 3a kidney disease: eGFR result of 45-59
Stage 3b kidney disease: eGFR result of 35-44
Stage 3a kidney disease indicates mild to moderate kidney damage, while stage 3b kidney disease suggests moderate to severe damage.
Stage 3 kidney disease symptoms, like fatigue, weakness, swelling in the legs or ankles, and changes in urination, become more present as kidney function declines.
What causes chronic kidney disease stage 3?
CKD stage 3 can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
Diabetes: According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, diabetes is the leading cause of chronic kidney disease in the United States. High blood sugar levels can damage the small blood vessels in the kidneys, leading to kidney damage over time.
High blood pressure: High blood pressure can cause damage to the blood vessels in the kidneys, leading to progressive chronic kidney disease.
Glomerulonephritis: This type of kidney disease occurs when the glomeruli, the small blood vessels in the kidneys, become inflamed and damaged.
Polycystic kidney disease: This is a genetic condition that causes cysts to form in the kidneys, which can lead to kidney damage over time.
Kidney stones: Repeated bouts of kidney stones can cause kidney damage, leading to chronic kidney disease.
How is Stage 3 Kidney Disease Diagnosed?
Stage 3 kidney disease is diagnosed through a series of tests that measure kidney function.
These tests may include the following:
Blood tests: A blood test will measure creatinine and urea levels in the bloodstream. Elevated levels of creatinine and urea, waste products filtered out of the body by the kidneys, can indicate that the kidneys are not functioning correctly.
Urine tests: Urine tests measure the amount of protein in the urine. Elevated protein levels in the urine can indicate kidney damage.
Imaging tests: Imaging tests such as ultrasounds, CT scans, and MRIs are used to examine kidney structures and detect abnormalities.
Biopsy: A doctor may perform a kidney biopsy to determine the cause of CKD stage 3. A kidney biopsy is a standard procedure where a small piece of kidney tissue is removed and examined for signs of damage or disease.
How to manage CKD stage 3
There is no cure for chronic kidney disease, but there are treatments that can help slow the disease's progression and manage its symptoms.
Some of the recommended treatments for people with stage 3 chronic kidney disease include:
Medications: Medications that manage high blood pressure, high cholesterol, anemia, and other complications that may arise from chronic kidney disease may help slow the progression of the disease.
Diet and lifestyle changes: Dietary changes such as reducing sodium intake, limiting potassium intake, and increasing water intake can help manage symptoms and slow disease progression. Regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight can also be beneficial.
A nephrologist will closely monitor anyone diagnosed with stage 3 chronic kidney disease to ensure the condition is not progressing and to help them manage any possible complications. Nephrology is a branch of medicine that deals with the physiology and diseases of the kidneys.
The importance of early detection of CKD stage 3
Early detection and management of chronic kidney disease are critical for slowing the progression of the disease and reducing the risk of complications.
With early detection and proper management, patients with stage 3 chronic kidney disease can slow the progression of the disease and prevent it from advancing to stage 4 or 5. They can also reduce the risk of related complications such as heart disease, stroke, and bone disease.
When stage 3 chronic kidney disease is appropriately managed, patients can improve their quality of life and maintain independence.
By slowing the progression of chronic kidney disease, people may be able to avoid or delay the need for dialysis or transplant, which can be a significant burden on both the individual and the healthcare system.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with kidney disease, the clinical team at Reset Kidney Health can help. We know from experience that early treatment for stage 3 kidney disease saves lives. With Reset, you can easily schedule appointments with our world-class kidney specialists to get the exceptional treatment you deserve from the comfort of your home. We are currently accepting new patients. Book an appointment with one of our specialists today to see how our team can help you.
