What is stage 4 kidney disease?
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a condition highlighted by the gradual loss of kidney function, affecting the body's ability to filter waste and excess fluids from the blood.
According to recent research, chronic Kidney Disease is on the rise, affecting approximately 10% of the world's adult population, thanks to an increase in noncommunicable diseases and other risk factors. If left untreated, chronic kidney disease can lead to severe health complications.
Kidney disease is classified into stages based on the level of kidney function, which is determined based on blood tests that measure estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFR) in the blood.
How many stages of kidney disease are there?
There are five stages of kidney disease, with stage 1 being the mildest to stage 5 being the most severe.
CKD stage 4 is classified as "severe" and signals that the kidneys are functioning at a significantly reduced level.
Read on for information about the symptoms, causes, and treatment options for stage 4 CKD.
Symptoms of chronic kidney disease stage 4
In stage 4 CKD, the kidneys usually have an eGFR result of 15-29 and will have lost 85-90% of their function.
Stage 4 kidney disease symptoms are wide-ranging and may include the following:
Fatigue and weakness: The kidneys play a vital role in producing a hormone called erythropoietin, which stimulates the production of red blood cells. In stage 4 chronic kidney disease, the kidneys produce less erythropoietin, leading to anemia, fatigue, and weakness.
Swelling: The kidneys also help to regulate the body's fluid balance. In stage 4 CKD, the kidneys may be unable to remove excess fluid from the body, leading to swelling in the feet, ankles, and legs.
Nausea and vomiting: Waste products build up in the body when the kidneys are not functioning correctly, leading to nausea and vomiting.
Loss of appetite: Patients with stage 4 kidney disease may lose their appetite due to the buildup of waste products in the body.
Shortness of breath: Fluid buildup in the lungs can cause shortness of breath in patients with stage 4 chronic kidney disease.
Itching and dry skin: The buildup of waste products in the blood can lead to various skin conditions.
Changes in urination: Patients may experience changes in their urine frequency, color, and smell.
Other symptoms may include bone and mineral disorders, hypertension, and difficulty sleeping.
Causes of chronic kidney disease stage 4
The most common causes of stage 4 CKD are diabetes and high blood pressure.
Other conditions that can cause stage 4 chronic kidney disease include:
Glomerulonephritis: An inflammation of the kidneys' filtering units, called glomeruli.
Polycystic kidney disease: A genetic condition where fluid-filled cysts develop in the kidneys.
Lupus: An autoimmune disease that can affect the kidneys.
Interstitial nephritis: An inflammation of the kidneys' tubules and surrounding tissue.
Kidney stones: Hard deposits of minerals and salts that can form in the kidneys.
Congenital kidney diseases: Kidney problems that are present at birth.
Chronic urinary tract infections: Frequent infections of the urinary tract can damage the kidneys over time.
Treatment for Stage 4 Chronic Kidney Disease
The treatment for stage 4 CKD depends on the underlying cause and the patient's overall health. The goal of treatment is to slow the progression of the disease, manage symptoms, and prevent complications.
Here are some of the most common treatments for stage 4 kidney disease:
Medications: Patients with stage 4 CKD may need medicines to control blood pressure, lower cholesterol, and manage anemia.
Diet: A diet low in protein and sodium can help reduce the workload on the kidneys. Patients may also need to limit their intake of potassium and phosphorus.
Fluid intake: Patients with stage 4 CKD may need to limit their fluid intake to avoid fluid overload.
Dialysis: Dialysis is a treatment that uses a machine to filter waste and excess fluids from the blood. Patients with stage 4 CKD may need dialysis if their kidney function declines.
Kidney transplant: A kidney transplant is an option for some patients with stage 4 kidney failure. A transplant involves replacing a diseased kidney with a healthy one from a donor.
Lifestyle changes: Patients with stage 4 kidney disease can benefit from lifestyle changes to maintain kidney health, such as quitting smoking, exercising regularly, and maintaining a healthy weight.
Managing stage 4 chronic kidney disease
Managing stage 4 CKD is essential, as it can lead to severe complications, such as high blood pressure, bone disease, nerve damage, and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Patients who suffer from stage 4 kidney disease should work closely with members of their nephrology team to prevent further decline in kidney function.
If you have been diagnosed with kidney disease or are at risk, the Reset Kidney Health clinical care team is here to help. At Reset, we know from experience that early treatment for stage 4 chronic kidney disease saves lives. With Reset Kidney Health, you can easily schedule appointments with world-class kidney specialists to get the exceptional treatment you deserve from the comfort of your home. Reset Kidney Health is currently accepting new patients. Contact us to book an appointment with one of our specialists today to learn more about how our team can help you.
