Symptoms of CKD at different stages

The Chronic Kidney Disease Solution™ By Shelly Manning It is an eBook that includes the most popular methods to care and manage kidney diseases by following the information provided in it. This easily readable eBook covers up various important topics like what is chronic kidney disease, how it is caused, how it can be diagnosed, tissue damages caused by chronic inflammation, how your condition is affected by gut biome, choices for powerful lifestyle and chronic kidney disease with natural tools etc.

Symptoms of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) at Different Stages

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) often progresses slowly and can go unnoticed in its early stages because it may not cause significant symptoms until kidney function is considerably impaired. However, as CKD advances, symptoms become more apparent and can impact various aspects of health. Here’s an overview of the symptoms typically associated with each stage of CKD.

Stage 1: Kidney Damage with Normal or Increased GFR (≥ 90 mL/min/1.73 m²)

Symptoms:

Often Asymptomatic: Most people with Stage 1 CKD do not experience noticeable symptoms. Kidney function is still relatively normal despite some evidence of damage, such as protein in the urine (proteinuria) or structural abnormalities detected through imaging.
Possible Mild Symptoms: If symptoms do occur, they may be very mild and nonspecific, such as slight fatigue or a general feeling of being unwell.

Key Focus:

Prevention and Monitoring: Identifying and managing underlying conditions like diabetes, hypertension, or glomerulonephritis is crucial to slow the progression of CKD.

Stage 2: Mild Reduction in GFR (60-89 mL/min/1.73 m²)

Symptoms:

Typically Asymptomatic: Like Stage 1, Stage 2 CKD is often asymptomatic, and individuals may not experience noticeable symptoms. However, some may have subtle signs of kidney damage, such as mild swelling (edema) or slightly elevated blood pressure.
Possible Early Symptoms:
- Mild Fatigue: Some individuals may begin to feel more tired than usual.
- Nocturia: Increased urination at night (nocturia) may occur, but it is often mild.

Key Focus:

Continued Monitoring and Lifestyle Changes: Regular monitoring of kidney function, blood pressure control, and lifestyle modifications are essential to prevent further kidney damage.

Stage 3: Moderate Reduction in GFR (30-59 mL/min/1.73 m²)

Stage 3a (GFR 45-59 mL/min/1.73 m²) Stage 3b (GFR 30-44 mL/min/1.73 m²)

Symptoms:

More Noticeable Symptoms: Symptoms become more apparent in Stage 3 as kidney function declines further.
- Fatigue and Weakness: Increased fatigue, generalized weakness, and decreased energy levels are common.
- Edema: Swelling in the ankles, feet, and hands may occur due to fluid retention.
- Hypertension: High blood pressure may become more pronounced or difficult to control.
- Changes in Urination: Urine may appear foamy due to proteinuria, and there may be changes in the frequency and amount of urination.
- Back Pain: Some individuals may experience dull, aching pain in the lower back, often attributed to kidney issues.
- Anemia: Decreased production of erythropoietin by the kidneys can lead to anemia, causing symptoms like shortness of breath and paleness.
- Bone Pain: Bone pain or fractures may occur due to mineral and bone disorders associated with CKD.

Key Focus:

Management and Slowing Progression: Intensive management of underlying conditions, lifestyle changes, and medications to control blood pressure, manage anemia, and address bone health are critical at this stage.

Stage 4: Severe Reduction in GFR (15-29 mL/min/1.73 m²)

Symptoms:

Significant Symptoms: Symptoms become more severe and can affect daily life.
- Severe Fatigue: Marked fatigue and weakness are common, often accompanied by difficulty concentrating and reduced physical activity.
- Swelling and Fluid Retention: Swelling in the legs, ankles, feet, and face may become more pronounced due to fluid overload.
- Shortness of Breath: Fluid retention can lead to shortness of breath, especially with exertion or when lying flat.
- Nausea and Vomiting: Accumulation of waste products (uremia) can cause nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite.
- Taste Changes and Metallic Taste: A metallic taste in the mouth and changes in taste preferences are common.
- Itching (Pruritus): Itching can occur due to the buildup of waste products in the blood.
- Muscle Cramps: Muscle cramps, particularly at night, may become more frequent.
- Nerve Problems: Some individuals may experience numbness, tingling, or burning sensations in the hands and feet due to nerve damage (peripheral neuropathy).

Key Focus:

Preparation for Kidney Replacement Therapy: At this stage, discussions about potential kidney replacement therapies, such as dialysis or kidney transplantation, should begin. Aggressive management of symptoms and complications is necessary.

Stage 5: Kidney Failure (GFR < 15 mL/min/1.73 m² or on dialysis)

Symptoms:

Severe and Life-Threatening Symptoms: At Stage 5, the kidneys have lost most of their ability to function, leading to severe symptoms that affect overall health and quality of life.
- Severe Fatigue and Weakness: Profound fatigue, lethargy, and weakness are common.
- Confusion and Cognitive Impairment: Accumulation of toxins in the blood can lead to confusion, difficulty concentrating, and cognitive impairment.
- Severe Swelling: Swelling becomes more severe and widespread, often involving the legs, feet, hands, face, and abdomen (ascites).
- Breathlessness: Shortness of breath can become severe, especially if fluid accumulates in the lungs (pulmonary edema).
- Persistent Nausea and Vomiting: Nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite can lead to significant weight loss and malnutrition.
- Severe Itching and Skin Changes: Itching can become unbearable, and the skin may develop a yellowish or brownish discoloration.
- Muscle Twitching and Seizures: Severe electrolyte imbalances can cause muscle twitching, cramps, and, in extreme cases, seizures.
- Decreased Urination: Urine output may significantly decrease, or individuals may stop urinating altogether.

Key Focus:

Kidney Replacement Therapy: Immediate treatment with dialysis or preparation for kidney transplantation is required to sustain life. Palliative care may also be considered for those not pursuing aggressive treatment.

Conclusion

The symptoms of CKD progress as kidney function declines, starting with subtle or nonexistent symptoms in the early stages and advancing to severe, life-altering symptoms in the later stages. Early detection and management of CKD are crucial to slowing the progression of the disease and minimizing symptoms. Regular monitoring, lifestyle modifications, and appropriate medical interventions can help manage symptoms and improve the quality of life for individuals with CKD.