Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is divided into five stages based on how well the kidneys can filter waste and excess fluid from the blood. In the early stages of kidney disease, the kidneys can still filter out waste, but in the later stages, the kidneys become less effective at filtering waste or stop working altogether.

Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) is the best test to measure a person’s level of kidney function and determine the stage of kidney disease. This test estimates how much blood passes through the glomeruli each minute. Glomeruli are the tiny filters in the kidneys that filter waste from the blood.

Stage 1

Stage 1 of kidney disease means that the patient has mild kidney damage and an eGFR of 90 or greater. At this stage, the kidneys are functioning normally, but urine findings point to kidney disease. Typically, there are no symptoms when kidneys function at 90 percent or better.

Stage 2

In Stage 2 of kidney disease, the patient has mild kidney damage, and the kidneys are functioning between 60 and 89 percent. Signs of kidney damage could be protein in one’s urine or physical damage to the kidneys. At this stage, individuals still may be symptom-free, or they may experience some of these symptoms:

  • Fatigue
  • Itching
  • Loss of appetite
  • Sleep problems
  • Weakness

At Stage 2 of kidney disease, it’s time to establish a relationship with a nephrologist at Summit Medical Clinic. While there is no cure for CKD, early treatment can slow or stop progression.

Stage 3

Stage 3 of kidney disease means the patient has an eGFR between 30 and 59. This means that there is some damage to the kidneys and they are not working as well as they should. Stage 3 is separated into two stages:

  • Stage 3a means the patient has mild to moderate loss of kidney function with an eGFR between 45 and 59.
  • Stage 3b means the patient has moderate to severe loss of kidney function with an eGFR between 30 to 44.

Not everyone has symptoms in Stage 3. However, some individuals may experience:

  • Bone pain
  • Fatigue
  • Loss of appetite
  • Swelling of the hands and feet
  • Urinating more or less than usual
  • Decreased mental sharpness
  • Weakness

It’s crucial to manage underlying conditions to help preserve kidney function. This may include:

Stage 4

Stage 4 of kidney disease means the patient’s kidneys are moderately or severely damaged and are not working as they should. The kidneys are functioning between 15 and 29 percent, so waste, toxins, and fluids may be building up in the body. Stage 4 kidney disease should be taken very seriously. It is critical that the patient does everything they can to prevent progression to kidney failure.

At Stage 4 kidney disease, many people may have symptoms such as:

  • Swelling in the hands and feet
  • Back and chest pain
  • Decreased mental sharpness
  • Urinating more or less than usual
  • Shortness of breath
  • Muscle twitches or cramps

In Stage 4 kidney disease, the patient will need to work very closely with their physician. In addition to the same treatment mentioned in Stage 3, the individual should start discussions about dialysis and kidney transplant should the kidneys fail.

Stage 5

At this stage, the patient’s eGFR is less than 15 or they are on dialysis at this point. An eGFR of less than 15 means the kidneys are getting very close to failure or have completely failed. If the kidneys fail, waste builds up in the blood, making the individual very ill.

Some of the symptoms of kidney failure include:

  • Swelling in the hands or feet
  • No appetite
  • Feeling sick and vomiting
  • Muscle cramps
  • Itching
  • Urinating more or less than normal
  • Trouble breathing

Once the kidneys have failed, the patient will need to start dialysis or have a kidney transplant to survive.

While CKD is a progressive disease, not everyone will go on to develop Stage 5. Symptoms of early-stage kidney disease are mild and can easily be overlooked. That is why it’s important to establish a relationship with a nephrologist early to help drastically slow progression.

Contact us

At Summit Medical Clinic, we provide consultation and ongoing care for the prevention and treatment of kidney-related diseases. Schedule an appointment by calling (719) 630-1006 or visiting our website.