Kidney disease can be a scary topic for many, but understanding it is the first step to managing it effectively. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with chronic kidney disease (CKD) or end stage kidney disease (ESKD), this blog is for you.
In this article, we will break down the differences, symptoms, and treatments for CKD and ESKD, making it easier to understand what you’re dealing with and how to seek the right care.
What is Chronic Kidney Disease?
Chronic kidney disease, commonly known as CKD, is a condition where your kidneys gradually lose their function over time. This decline happens slowly, and the symptoms may not be noticeable in the early stages.
CKD is typically caused by conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure, which put stress on the kidneys.
Symptoms of Chronic Kidney Disease
In the early stages of CKD, you might not notice any symptoms. However, as the disease progresses, you may experience:
- Fatigue and weakness
- Swelling in your ankles, feet, or hands due to fluid retention
- Shortness of breath if fluid builds up in the lungs
- High blood pressure that’s difficult to control
- Changes in urination patterns, such as increased or decreased frequency
These symptoms often appear subtly, so regular check-ups with a nephrologist are essential for early detection and management.
Stages of Chronic Kidney Disease
Stage 1 and 2
At these early stages, there’s only mild damage to the kidneys. The eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate) is 90 or above 90 at stage 1 and between 60 and 89 at stage 2. You might not notice any symptoms, because your kidneys are still working well.
Nephrologists usually find this stage when doing tests for other reasons. It’s important to manage your health and follow your nephrologist’s advice to prevent further damage.
Stage 3
This stage is split into 3a (eGFR between 45-59) and 3b (eGFR between 30-44). Here, kidney damage becomes moderate, and you might start to notice symptoms like fatigue, swelling in your hands and feet (edema), and changes in urination.
It’s crucial to monitor your blood pressure and blood sugar and follow a kidney-friendly diet to slow down the damage.
Stage 4
By this stage, the damage to your kidneys is severe and eGFR is between 15 to 29. Symptoms become more noticeable and can include persistent fatigue, swelling, and changes in appetite.
You might also experience muscle cramps and trouble sleeping. Close monitoring by your nephrologist is necessary, and you may need medications to manage symptoms and complications.
Stage 5 (ESKD)
End stage kidney disease, commonly known as ESKD, is when kidneys can no longer function on their own, with eGFR less than 15. Symptoms are very pronounced and can include severe fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and itchy skin.
At this point, treatments like dialysis or a kidney transplant are required to take over the job of filtering waste from the blood.
Treatment Options for Chronic Kidney Disease
Managing CKD focuses on slowing its progression and treating any underlying conditions. Common kidney disease treatment approaches at earlier stages include:
- Medications to control blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
- Diet changes, such as reducing sodium and protein intake.
- Regular exercise to maintain overall health.
- Monitoring blood sugar levels if you have diabetes.
Your nephrologist will tailor a chronic kidney disease treatment plan specific to your needs, emphasizing early intervention to prevent further kidney damage.
What is End Stage Kidney Disease?
ESKD is the final stage of chronic kidney disease. At this point, your kidneys can no longer function on their own, and you will need dialysis or a kidney transplant to survive.
ESKD is severe and requires immediate and ongoing treatment.
Symptoms of End Stage Kidney Disease
- Severe Fatigue: Feeling extremely tired and weak is a common symptom of ESKD.
- Nausea and Vomiting: These symptoms often occur due to the buildup of waste in your body.
- Shortness of Breath: Fluid buildup in the lungs due to no kidney function can cause difficulty breathing.
End Stage Kidney Disease Treatment
Dialysis
Dialysis is a procedure that removes waste and extra fluid from your blood when your kidneys can’t do the job on their own. There are two main types of dialysis:
- Hemodialysis: This is done at a dialysis center or at home with a machine that filters your blood.
- Peritoneal Dialysis: This uses the lining of your abdomen to filter your blood inside your body.
Kidney Transplant
A kidney transplant involves placing a healthy kidney from a donor (deceased or living) into your body. This is often the best treatment for ESKD, because it can provide a better quality of life. However, it requires finding a suitable kidney donor and undergoing kidney transplant surgery.
Experienced Nephrologist in Marlborough, MA
Are you looking for a nephrologist in Marlborough, MA who offers comprehensive care for kidney disease? At Commonwealth Nephrology Associates, we are committed to providing top-notch care for patients at all stages of chronic kidney disease.
Our skilled and experienced nephrologists will work with you to develop a personalized kidney disease treatment plan that addresses your unique needs.
For more information about our nephrologists, call us today at (617) 739-2100 or request an appointment online. We look forward to serving you!
