Monday, March 25, 2024
HomeMust ReadWhat Does Stage 3 Kidney Failure Mean

What Does Stage 3 Kidney Failure Mean

How Serious Is Stage 3 Ckd

Living with Stage 3 Kidney Disease | American Kidney Fund

You might think of Stage 3 CKD as a “middle stage” of kidney disease. Your kidneys are damaged, but they still work well enough that you do not need dialysis or a kidney transplant.

Kidney disease often cannot be cured in Stage 3, and damage to your kidneys normally is not reversible. However, with treatment and healthy life changes, many people in Stage 3 do not move to Stage 4 or Stage 5, which is kidney failure.

Treatments For Kidney Failure

The two treatments for kidney failure are kidney transplantation and dialysis. Two different types of dialysis can be done – hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.

  • Peritoneal Dialysis . Peritoneal dialysis is a home-based treatment that can be done anywhere . It must be done daily. You will need a minor operation to place a catheter in your abdomen . With peritoneal dialysis, the blood is cleaned inside your body, not outside. The lining of your abdomen acts as a natural filter. During treatment a cleansing solution, called dialysate, flows into your abdomen through a soft tube called a PD catheter. Wastes and extra fluid pass from your blood into the cleansing solution. After several hours, you drain the used solution from your abdomen and refill with fresh cleansing solution to begin the process again. Removing the used solution and adding fresh solutions takes about a half hour and is called an “exchange.”
  • To learn more about each type of treatment, see “Choosing a Treatment for Kidney Failure” in the A-to-Z Guide.

    Pretzels Chips And Crackers

    Snack foods such as pretzels, chips, and crackers are typically high in sodium. They also lack important nutrients your body needs to function properly.

    Potato chips are also high in potassium since they are made from potatoes and should be avoided.

    One small bag of potato chips contains around 150 milligrams of sodium and 336 milligrams of potassium.

    Instead of pretzels, chips, and crackers choose low-sodium snacks. Good kidney-friendly snack options include unsalted popcorn, low-sodium crackers, and pita chips.

    Read Also: Which Side Is Your Kidney On

    S To Take At Stage 3 Kidney Disease

    • Make healthy lifestyle choicesEating a kidney-friendly diet, quitting smoking, exercising, and maintaining a healthy weight can help you slow progression at stage 3 kidney disease.
    • Monitor your healthManaging underlying conditions and risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and/or infection can also help slow the progression of CKD. Talk to your doctor about whether or not you need to modify any of the vitamins, supplements, or medications you may be taking for other health conditions , or if you start taking any new medications.
    • Talk to your doctor about a referral to see a kidney doctorSeeing a kidney doctor can help you manage your kidney health. Your doctor can help you determine when it’s time to see a nephrologist and give you a referral. Once you start seeing a nephrologist, you’ll still see your regular doctor to monitor you overall health.
    • Meet with a renal dietitianFollowing a kidney-friendly diet is key to slowing the progression of CKD, and you dont have to do it alone. A renal dietitian can help you address any nutrition concerns and learn about eating well.
    • Learn everything you can about CKDTaking a KidneyCare:365 class can help you learn more about how to manage and slow the progression of CKD.

    What Measures Kidney Function

    What does stage 3 kidney disease means?

    Creatinine levels measure kidney function. Creatinine is a waste product that is produced from the normal wear and tear on muscles in the body. Therefore, the level of creatinine tells how well the kidneys are functioning.

    The kidneys are responsible for getting rid of creatinine. This creatinine clearance shows how much creatinine has passed through your kidneys into your urine.

    Read Also: What Can Help Pass A Kidney Stone

    The Kidney Disease Solution Cookbook

    The 133-page cookbook is chock-full of recipes that are easy to follow and must incorporate into an appropriate kidney-friendly diet. Each recipe is designed to meet the essential daily nutritional requirements of the body. The book also teaches you how to establish healthy eating habits. Whats more, it also offers recipes specific to other medical conditions that you may be suffering from, such as diabetes and hypertension.

    Patient Information Ckd Stage G3

    Patients with CKD stage G3 have impaired kidney function. Only a minority of patients with CKD stage G3 go on to develop more serious kidney disease. Cardiovascular disease, the umbrella term for diseases of the heart and circulation , is more common in patients with CKD. It is important to try and identify which patients may go on to develop more serious kidney damage and to try and reduce the chances of patients developing cardiovascular disease.

    Don’t Miss: Why Might My Kidneys Hurt

    How Quickly Does Kidney Disease Progress

    The progression of kidney disease can be very different from patient to patient. In general, there are several things that can make kidney disease progress faster, which include the following:

    • long-term use or large doses of certain pain medications, called NSAID medications, including Advil, Aleve, ibuprofen, Motrin, naproxen, and more
    • uncontrolled blood sugars / diabetes
    • and more

    Nuts And Sunflower Seeds

    Stages of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

    Nuts and seeds are popular, healthy snacks for most people. However, for a person with kidney disease, they can be harmful.

    A 1 ounce serving, or about 23 almonds, contains about:

    • 208 milligrams of potassium
    • 187 milligrams of potassium
    • 168 milligrams of phosphorus

    If you enjoy nuts and sunflower seeds, consider pairing them with other low-potassium and low-phosphorus meal options. Alternatively, choose nuts that are lower in phosphorus.

    Macadamia nuts are a great choice for a kidney diet as they only contain around 104 milligrams of potassium and 53 milligrams of phosphorus per 1 ounce serving.

    Don’t Miss: What Percentage Of Kidney Transplants Are Successful

    Understanding Stage 3 Kidney Failure

    In stage three kidney failure, the kidneys are moderately damaged and not working optimally. In the first part of this stage, the eGFR is between 45 and 59. It drops between 30 and 44 in later stages. Many people with stage three kidney disease have few symptoms. However, they are more likely to have health complications arise as a result of the kidney failure. These include higher blood pressure, anemia, and bone disease, which can all further damage the body and have unpleasant side-effects of their own.

    Those who do have symptoms during stage three kidney failure may experience fatigue, fluid retention and swelling, shortness of breath, kidney pain, and trouble sleeping due to muscle cramps. Urination habits may also change. If you are experiencing stage three kidney failure, you might find yourself producing less urine but needing to go to the bathroom more often. Foamy urine, which occurs when protein is present, and blood in the urine are also possible. These symptoms can make it difficult to continue normal habits and routines, necessitating additional care and support as the disease progresses.

    Kidney Health Food Shopping List

    It is a great addition to your recipe book as well as a meal plan. The key to having a healthy kidney is diet, which is why you must to substitute unhealthy food items with nutritious ones. This guide can help you pick the right foods next time you go grocery shopping. It lists out what foods to eat and what to avoid to improve your kidney function.

    Read Also: Will A Kidney Infection Clear Up On Its Own

    Impact Of Stage 3 Kidney Disease On Your Health

    Depending on how far your kidney disease has progressed, you will fit into one of the five stages of kidney disease. These stages are measured by your glomerular filtration rate or your GFR. Having stage 3 kidney disease means that you will have a GFR between 30 and 59.

    Most people who have stage 3 kidney disease will not have any symptoms. However, if you do, it can manifest as swelling in your hands or feet, back pain, or irregular urination patterns.

    The more impactful symptoms of kidney disease stage 3 are the health implications of your decreased kidney functioning such as high blood pressure, anemia, and bone disease.

    Ultimately, if stage 3 kidney disease goes untreated or progresses further, you will enter into stage 4 kidney disease. Stage 4 kidney disease is severe, as are its symptoms. It is also the last stage of kidney disease before kidney failure at this point, you will need to talk to your doctor to prepare for kidney failure. â

    If your kidneys fail, you will either need to have dialysis or a kidney transplant. Dialysis is a treatment that will clean your blood. You will need to think about which kind of dialysis you will want, as there are different types available. The other option, a kidney transplant, is when you find a donor who gives you a healthy kidney from their body. If you get a transplant, you will not need to do dialysis.

    Medication To Protect Your Kidneys

    Chronic Kidney Disease Stage 3a Symptoms
    • ACE inhibitors and ARBs. If you have high levels of protein in your urine then you may be advised to take medication even if your blood pressure is normal. Two related types of medication have been shown to be beneficial for many people with CKD. This is because they can prevent further worsening of the function of your kidneys. These medicines are called:
      • Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and
      • Angiotensin receptor blockers , such as losartan, valsartan, candesartan, telmisartan).
    • SGLT2 inhibitors. A group of medicines called the SGLT2 inhibitors were originally used to keep blood sugar under control in type 2 diabetes. However, more recent studies show that some of them can significantly reduce decline in kidney function. These may be recommended whether you have type 2 diabetes or not. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence has issued new guidance recommending that they should be offered to, or considered for, most people with type 2 diabetes and CKD.

    Don’t Miss: How To Get A Kidney Stone Out Of The Urethra

    The Kidney Disease Solution Ebook

    This is the most important portion of the program comprising 114 pages, divided in 13 sections. Its a complete step-by-step guide to the complete program. It contains all the information that you require to alter your way of life and healing your kidneys. The methods that are provided in the book are backed by the latest research and research in simple language.

    Who Is It Intended For

    It is the Kidney disease solution program can be beneficial for patients suffering from kidney disease with limited options for managing their kidney issues. If you suffer from kidney issues, you may consider trying the program and see what difference it makes for your overall well-being. If you are in the advanced stages of kidney disease this program could potentially reverse the disease.

    If youre not suffering from kidney disease, you may consider trying it out since almost everybody can benefit from the tips, recipes, and exercises that are included in the program. Its not just about improving kidney function but on improving your lifestyle and eating habits for greater overall health. After all, prevention is always more effective than treatment.

    However, those with medical conditions should first consult with their physician prior to taking the program. The program isnt suitable for pregnant women nursing mothers, or people under the age of 18.

    Read Also: How To Clean Your Liver And Kidneys

    Do What You Can To Manage The Complications Of Kidney Disease

    Kidney disease can cause other health problems throughout your body including:

    • Heart and blood vessel problems
    • Anemia
    • Mineral and bone problems
    • High blood pressure
    • Poor nutritional health

    If you have stage 4 kidney disease, you are probably experiencing some of these problems already. Your healthcare professional will work with you to develop a treatment plan to help manage these problems and keep them from getting worse. Treatment may include diet, exercise, and medications. It is very important that you follow your treatment plan because it can greatly improve your quality of life and how long you live. It can also help to slow or even stop kidney disease from getting worse – and it may even stop or delay kidney failure.

    Can Stage 3 Kidney Disease Be Reversed

    Kidney (Renal) Disease Signs & Symptoms (ex. Peripheral Edema, Fatigue, Itchiness)

    According to Dr. Alina Livshits, M.D., an internal medicine physician with Fairview Health Services, Once you get to Stage 3, its generally considered to be irreversible. The good news is that the majority of Stage 3 patients do not progress to the more severe stages.

    While there is no way to reverse chronic kidney disease at stage 3, you can prevent disease progression by working with your nephrologist and the rest of your care team to properly manage the disease.

    Also Check: Is Chicken Good For Kidneys

    Tips To Prevent Stage 3 Ckd

    There are three ways to prevent stage 3 CKD: Eat a kidney-friendly diet, use your prescribe medications, and exercise .

    A kidney-friendly diet consists of eating the right amount of calories. Some patients may need to reduce their caloric intake, especially if they are overweight. Patients will also need to cut back on phosphorus-rich foods, because the kidneys ability to process these foods becomes challenging. Examples include milk, nuts, ice cream, cheese, chocolate, and seeds.

    You will also need to avoid high-potassium foods such as bananas, avocados, potatoes, nuts, tomatoes, honeydew, and legumes, and work with a dietician to work out an appropriate amount of potassium to consume. Protein should also come from good sources and be consumed in the right amount. Be mindful of sources of protein that contain potassium and phosphorus. You should also make sure you are consuming enough fat, eating high-quality carbs, getting in enough vitamins, and watching your portions.

    Your doctor can prescribe medications to manage your stage 3 chronic kidney disease as well as medications to control risk factors such as blood sugar levels and blood pressure.

    Stage 3 Kidney Disease Life Expectancy

    When diagnosed and managed early, stage 3 CKD has a longer life expectancy than more advanced stages of kidney disease. Estimates can vary based on age and lifestyle.

    One such estimate says that the average life expectancy is 24 years in men who are 40, and 28 in women of the same age group.

    Aside from overall life expectancy, its important to consider your risk of disease progression. One 10-year study of stage 3 CKD patients found that about half progressed to more advanced stages of kidney disease.

    Its also possible to experience complications from CKD, such as cardiovascular disease, which can affect your overall life expectancy.

    Recommended Reading: How To Dissolve Kidney Stones Quickly

    Living With Stage 3 Kidney Disease

    Aside from taking your prescribed medications and eating a healthy diet, adopting other lifestyle changes can help you manage CKD stage 3. Talk to your doctor about the following:

    • Exercise. Aim for a minimum of 30 minutes of moderate activity per day on most days of the week. A doctor can help you begin an exercise program safely.
    • Blood pressure management. High blood pressure can be a precursor for CKD, and it can make your condition worse. Aim for a blood pressure of 140/90 and below.
    • Stress management. Techniques can include exercise, getting better sleep, and meditation.
    • Smoking cessation. Talk to a doctor about the right methods of quitting smoking for you.

    Can You Change Treatments For Kidney Failure

    Kidney Disease Stages 3

    If you start on one type of treatment for kidney failure but feel you would like to try something else, you can speak to your healthcare professional about changing. For most people, it is often possible to change treatments. For example, if you choose hemodialysis, it doesn’t mean you can’t switch to peritoneal dialysis at a later date. Even if you choose to have a kidney transplant, you may need a period of dialysis until you can be transplanted with a new kidney. It is not uncommon for people who have had kidney failure for many years to have had more than one type of treatment in that time.

    You May Like: How Does Kidney Disease Affect Red Blood Cell Production

    What Are Kidneys And Kidney Function Tests

    Kidneys are vital organs performing various functions such as maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance, controlling blood pressure, removing waste products from the body, maintaining healthy bones and keeping healthy levels of red blood cells in the body. Various tests are performed to know about the health of the kidneys such as:

    • Blood urea

    Stages Of Chronic Kidney Disease

    There are five stages of chronic kidney disease. In stages 1 through 3, the early stages, the kidneys are still able to filter waste from the blood. In the later stages, stages 4 and 5, the kidneys have to work much harder to eliminate waste and may stop functioning entirely.

    Each chronic kidney disease stage is based on estimated glomerular filtration rate test results. The kidneys have small filters known as glomeruli that help remove excess water and waste from the blood.

    The eGFR test is a blood test that measures how well the kidneys function. GFR is an estimate of how much volume the kidneys are able to successfully filter per minute of time.

    This is estimated by measuring particular waste molecules in the bloodstream. The most frequently used one is called creatinine . The higher the level of creatinine in the blood, the more likely that the kidney’s ability to filter has become impaired.

    Test results determine the stage of CKD. Each stage is associated with an eGFR result as follows:

    • Stage 1: eGFR is 90 or higher
    • Stage 2: eGFR is 6089
    • Stage 3a: eGFR is 4559
    • Stage 3b: eGFR is 3044
    • Stage 4: eGFR is 1529
    • Stage 5: eGFR is less than 15

    You May Like: Do Kidney Stones Always Show Up On Ultrasound

    RELATED ARTICLES

    Most Popular