Are You at Risk? Learn the Stages of Chronic Kidney Disease

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a condition where the kidneys gradually lose function with time. Early detection and management of CKD can slow down its advancement and prevent serious complications like kidney failure. In this blog, we will discuss different stages of chronic kidney disease, its symptoms, how it’s diagnosed, and tips for managing it through lifestyle changes and medical treatment.

What is Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)?

Kidneys filter waste from the whole body into the blood, and when their function subsides, we refer to it as Chronic Kidney Disease. Because of a decline in kidney function, waste starts to accumulate in the body, which can cause very serious complications like heart issues and high blood pressure.

Causes of CKD

The development of CKD could be because of:

• Diabetes

• High Blood Pressure

• Genetic conditions like polycystic kidney disease

• Other risk factors are age, smoking, and obesity.

  
  

How is CKD Staged?

CKD is staged according to the functioning of the kidney, which is measured by the glomerular filtration rate (GFR). A normal GFR is 90 mL/min or up. The five stages of kidney function are categorized based on kidney function. As kidney function decreases, the stage number increases. Staging helps doctors determine the severity of kidney damage, which is important for treatment purposes.

Different Stages of Chronic Kidney Disease

CKD progresses through five stages, based on GFR and kidney damage.

Stage 1 CKD

In Stage 1 CKD, kidney function remains normal (GFR ≥90), but there is evidence of kidney damage. Patients usually have no symptoms, and the condition is often detected incidentally during routine blood or urine tests.

Stage 2 CKD 

Stage 2 CKD indicates mildly reduced kidney function (GFR 60-89) with some kidney damage. Like Stage 1, symptoms are rare, but hypertension and diabetes must be managed to slow progression. Healthy lifestyle modifications are very important. Annual kidney function tests help track any decline in GFR.

Stage 3 CKD 

This stage often sees clear symptoms, such as fatigue and swelling. It’s very crucial to control high BP or diabetes at this stage. Treatment may include medications to control kidney function and dietary adjustments.

Stage 4 CKD 

In Stage 4, kidney function is severely impaired (GFR 15-29), which causes nausea, itching, muscle cramps, and fluid overload. Patients must follow a strict kidney-friendly diet and medications. Preparation for renal replacement therapy (dialysis or transplant) begins at this stage to avoid emergency interventions later.

Stage 5 CKD

Stage 5, also called end-stage renal disease (ESRD), means the kidneys have failed (GFR <15), requiring dialysis or a transplant to survive. Symptoms include extreme fatigue, confusion, and swelling. Dialysis filters waste from the blood, while a kidney transplant gives a better life expectancy. Without treatment, ESRD is life-threatening.

The following table summarizes all the stages of CKD:

Stage	GFR (mL/min)	Description	Symptoms	Treatment
Stage 1	90 or higher	Kidney damage with slightly increased GFR	Often asymptomatic	Monitor kidney function, manage blood pressure and diabetes
Stage 2	60–89	Mild reduction in kidney function	Mild symptoms like fatigue	Lifestyle changes, regular monitoring
Stage 3	30–59	Moderate decline in kidney function	Swelling, fatigue, changes in urine, high BP	Medications, dietary adjustments, and BP management
Stage 4	15–29	Severe kidney function loss	Swelling, nausea, and appetite loss	Dialysis preparation, more intensive treatment
Stage 5	<15	Kidney failure	Severe nausea, vomiting, confusion, swelling	Dialysis or a kidney transplant

Symptoms to Watch for in All Stages

• Fatigue

• Swelling

• Changes in Urination

• Back Pain

• Nausea & Appetite Loss

• Sleep Problems

  
  

Treatment & Lifestyle Tips for Managing CKD

While CKD is progressive, you can slow its advancement:

• Control high blood pressure and diabetes, as they severely damage the kidneys.

• Start a kidney-friendly diet, which means low salt intake and high potassium.

• Certain medications, including those that control blood pressure, prevent kidney damage, or reduce swelling.

• Regularly monitor GFR and creatinine levels to track the progression.

• Exercise to control BP and maintain weight, but discuss your exercise regimen with your doctor.

  
  

When to See a Doctor

If you're at risk for CKD due to diabetes, high BP, or family history, get regular kidney function tests. Early detection and treatment can stop CKD from turning into kidney failure. Additionally, if you notice any of the CKD symptoms, discuss them with your doctor.

Conclusion

Knowledge about the stages of chronic kidney disease can help in managing it and preventing complications. Early detection and prompt treatment can help slow the advancement of CKD. If you’re at risk for CKD or experiencing symptoms, make sure to consult with a healthcare provider so you can take the right steps to protect your kidney health for years to come.