Stage 3 Kidney Disease: Understanding Your Diagnosis

A diagnosis of Stage 3 kidney disease can be overwhelming. It brings many questions and concerns about your health and future. At this stage, your kidneys are moderately damaged. They are not working at their full capacity. But, knowing your diagnosis and what it involves is the first crucial step. It is key to managing your condition well and keeping your quality of life.

This guide aims to give you clear and full info about Stage 3 kidney disease. We will explore this diagnosis. We’ll cover your symptoms and what might cause your kidney issues. We will also discuss the importance of monitoring your kidney function. You will learn to manage your symptoms and make needed lifestyle changes.

What Stage 3 CKD Signifies

Stage 3 chronic kidney disease means a big but varying drop in kidney function. It is defined by an eGFR of 30 to 59 mL/min/1.73m². This stage reflects moderately impaired kidneys. But, they can still perform their essential functions on their own.

At this point, the kidneys may struggle to filter waste and extra fluids. They do this less well than healthy kidneys. This can lead to a buildup of toxins and fluids in the body. It can cause health problems if not managed well.

The Wake-Up Call to Prioritize Kidney Health

Receiving a stage 3 Chronic kidney disease diagnosis is a crucial wake-up call. It tells you to focus on kidney health and well-being. It shows the importance of taking proactive steps to slow kidney damage. This helps maintain quality of life. Key considerations include:

• Kidney Function Monitoring: Regularly track eGFR and kidney function tests. They help see how CKD progresses. This allows healthcare providers to intervene early with appropriate treatments.

• Manage underlying conditions. They include diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease. This is key. These conditions greatly harm the kidneys. Managing them can help save kidney function.

• Lifestyle Changes can help. They include a healthy diet, regular exercise, quitting smoking, and limiting alcohol. They can improve kidney health.

• Taking medications as prescribed by healthcare providers is crucial. It is key for controlling blood pressure. It helps manage diabetes and other health issues that affect kidney function.

Stage 3 Chronic Kidney Disease Symptoms

In early stage 3 CKD, many people may not have symptoms. This is because the kidneys can still compensate for reduced function to some extent. However, as kidney function continues to decline, symptoms will become clear. They will signal the need for medical attention and management.

• Fatigue and Weakness

• Changes in Urination Patterns

• High Blood Pressure (Hypertension).

• Swelling in Hands and Feet (Edema)

• Back Pain

• Difficulty Sleeping

• Skin Problems

It’s important to note that symptoms of stage 3 CKD can vary widely among individuals. Some people may experience only a few symptoms, while others may have more pronounced or different symptoms. Regularly monitoring kidney function is crucial. So is keeping open communication with healthcare providers. Doing these things helps to manage symptoms and prevent complications from CKD progression. Finding it early and acting can greatly improve outcomes. It can also improve the lives of people with stage 3 CKD.

Causes of Stage 3 Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

Underlying Conditions

• Diabetes is a leading cause of chronic kidney disease worldwide. High blood sugar for a long time can damage the small blood vessels in the kidneys. This affects their ability to filter waste from the blood.

• High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) can damage the kidneys’ blood vessels. This damage is due to uncontrolled high blood pressure and leads to CKD. Conversely, CKD can also contribute to worsening hypertension, creating a harmful cycle.

• Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) is an inherited disorder. It is characterized by the growth of many cysts in the kidneys. These cysts can gradually replace healthy kidney tissue, impairing kidney function.

• Glomerulonephritis is inflammation of the glomeruli. These are the kidney’s filtering units. Infections, autoimmune diseases, or other conditions can cause glomerulonephritis. They can lead to kidney damage if untreated.

• Autoimmune Diseases cause conditions like lupus and vasculitis. They inflame many organs, including the kidneys. Over time, chronic inflammation can lead to kidney damage and CKD.

Lifestyle Factors

• Smoking: Smoking is a significant risk factor for the progression of CKD. It can speed up damage to blood vessels. This includes those in the kidneys. It can also worsen existing kidney function.

• Unhealthy diets are high in salt, fats, and processed foods. They can cause high blood pressure and diabetes. Both of these are major risks for CKD. Additionally, excessive protein intake may strain the kidneys over time.

• Being overweight or obese raises the risk of diabetes and hypertension. They are main causes of CKD. Obesity also directly contributes to kidney damage.

• Lack of physical activity leads to obesity, hypertension, and diabetes. These can cause CKD. Regular physical activity can help maintain overall health and reduce the risk of these conditions.

Stage 3 Treatment Options

Treatment for stage 3 kidney disease cannot cure it. But, it offers a chance to prevent further progression to kidney failure. At this stage, a combination of treatments and lifestyle adjustments becomes crucial. Your healthcare provider will discuss various measures to manage your condition effectively.

Diet plays a significant role in managing chronic kidney disease. Kidneys regulate waste removal and electrolyte balance. Eating too much of some foods can strain them. It’s recommended to prioritize whole foods like fruits, vegetables, and grains over processed items. Whole foods are easier for the kidneys to process. Your healthcare team may advise eating less protein. They may also advise avoiding high-potassium foods, like bananas, potatoes, and tomatoes. This is if your potassium levels are high. Similarly, limiting sodium intake is crucial if sodium levels are high.

Weight loss is common in advanced stages of CKD due to decreased appetite, which can increase the risk of malnutrition. If you lose your appetite, eat smaller, more frequent meals. This can help you get enough calories and nutrients.

Medical treatment for stage 3 CKD typically involves medications. Your doctor may prescribe medications to manage conditions affecting your kidneys. For example, they may prescribe ACE inhibitors or ARBs for high blood pressure. And they may prescribe glucose medications for diabetes. Doctors may recommend medications like Kerendia (finerenone) to people with type 2 diabetes. These drugs reduce the risk of declining kidney function. They also reduce the risk of end-stage CKD and heart attacks.

Also, your healthcare provider may prescribe medications for specific CKD symptoms. For example, iron treats anemia. Calcium or vitamin D treat bone fractures. Cholesterol-lowering drugs and diuretics treat edema.

Managing stage 3 CKD requires a full approach. It combines medical care, diet changes, and lifestyle adjustments. Regular monitoring and close collaboration with your healthcare team are essential. They help you manage the condition and improve your life.

Living with Stage 3 CKD

In addition to changing your diet, managing stage 3 CKD involves adding other good habits:

• Exercise regularly. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity most days of the week. Start with guidance from a healthcare professional to ensure safety and effectiveness.

• Effectively manage blood pressure. High blood pressure can worsen CKD. Aim to maintain a blood pressure of 130/80 or lower under medical supervision.

• Practice stress management techniques. Prioritize good sleep. Practice mindfulness. Make time to relax. This reduces stress.

• Quit smoking. Talk to a healthcare provider to find the best ways to quit smoking. The ways should fit your needs.

The Future of Stage 3 Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

Managing CKD to Prevent Progression

Early diagnosis and proactive management play crucial roles in the future outlook for stage 3 CKD. By finding CKD early, providers can slow it down. This helps keep the kidneys working. It also lowers the risk of problems. These problems might require dialysis or a kidney transplant later.

Managing CKD involves

• Regular Monitoring is key. Tests like eGFR and urine albumin track kidney function. They guide treatment decisions.

• Doctors prescribe medications to control blood pressure. They also manage diabetes and reduce proteinuria. These drugs can slow kidney damage.

• Lifestyle Modifications are crucial. They include: adopting a healthy diet, keeping a healthy weight, quitting smoking, and staying active. They can benefit kidney health.

Early treatment is key. It improves outcomes and life quality for those with stage 3 CKD. Complete management is also important.

Ongoing Research and Treatment Advancements

The treatment of CKD is changing. This is due to ongoing research and advances in medical science. Researchers are always exploring new treatments. These treatments hold promise for improving outcomes in CKD. Areas of focus include:

• New Medications are being developed. They target pathways in the kidney that cause damage and inflammation.

• Precision Medicine tailors treatments to individual genetic and molecular profiles. This is to improve outcomes.

• Regenerative Medicine is investigating stem cell therapies. It is also studying tissue engineering to repair or replace damaged kidney tissue.

• Artificial Kidney Technologies are advancing. They are wearable or implantable. They mimic natural kidney function.

These advancements offer hope. They could lead to better treatments that might slow or even reverse kidney damage in the future. As research progresses, the goal is to improve CKD management. This will enhance the lives of those affected by it.

What Is the Creatinine Level for Stage 3 Kidney Disease?

In stage 3 kidney disease, the creatinine level typically corresponds to an eGFR of 30-59 mL/min/1.73 m². Creatinine levels in stage 3 CKD can vary. This depends on factors such as age, sex, muscle mass, and other health conditions. Creatinine levels will be high but vary widely within this stage. They depend on how much the kidneys are impaired. You must regularly check creatinine levels and eGFR. This is crucial for tracking kidney function and treating stage 3 CKD well.

How Long Does It Take to Go from Stage 3 to Stage 4 Kidney Disease

The move from stage 3 to stage 4 kidney disease can vary a lot among individuals. It is influenced by many factors. These factors include the cause of kidney disease. They also include the control of related conditions like diabetes and hypertension. And they include overall health and genetics. The move from stage 3 to stage 4 CKD can take years. But, the time is not fixed and can vary a lot. Some people may progress quickly. They may see a faster decline in kidney function. Others may have a slower decline. Or, they may keep stable kidney function with proper care and lifestyle changes.

How Long Can a Person Live with Stage 3 Kidney Disease?

Stage 3 Kidney Disease Life Expectancy

The life expectancy of a person with stage 3 kidney disease can vary widely. It depends on factors like age, overall health, and how the condition is managed. Stage 3 kidney disease is marked by a moderate decrease in kidney function. The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) is 30 to 59 mL/min/1.73 m².

Here are some general points to consider:

1. Progression Rate: Stage 3 kidney disease can progress at different rates for different individuals. Some progress quickly. Others stay stable for many years.

2. Underlying Causes and Health Conditions: Kidney disease’s cause and a person’s other health conditions, like diabetes or hypertension, can greatly impact life expectancy and disease progression.

3. Management and Treatment: You can manage kidney disease with medicine, diet changes, and lifestyle changes. These can slow its progress and improve outcomes.

4. Age and Health: Younger people and those with fewer other health issues generally have better outcomes. They also have longer life expectancies than older individuals with many health concerns.

5. Complications are a problem. They include cardiovascular disease, infections, and electrolyte imbalances. They can reduce life expectancy in people with kidney disease.

Is It Possible to Reverse Stage 3 Kidney Disease?

Treatment for stage 3 chronic kidney disease (CKD) aims to halt further progression. There is no cure for any stage of CKD, and kidney damage cannot be reversed.

Besides, it is still possible to cut more damage if you’re in stage 3. Preventing progression becomes more challenging in stages 4 and 5.

What Not to Take with Stage 3 Kidney Disease?

When managing stage 3 kidney disease, avoid certain substances and drugs. They can stress or interfere with the kidneys. Here are some key considerations on what to avoid:

1. NSAIDs, like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), and aspirin, can hurt the kidneys. They can cause more damage. This is especially true when they are used for a long time or in high doses.

2. Certain Antibiotics: Some antibiotics are nephrotoxic (toxic to the kidneys). They should be used cautiously or avoided. Examples include gentamicin, vancomycin, and certain cephalosporins. Always consult with your healthcare provider to choose antibiotics that are safe for your kidneys.

3. Contrast dye can harm the kidneys. This happens during imaging procedures like CT scans or angiograms. It can potentially cause acute kidney injury. If you have stage 3 kidney disease, talk to your healthcare provider about other imaging options.

4. Kidney function declines. This can cause an imbalance in potassium and phosphorus levels. Taking these mineral supplements without medical supervision can raise their levels in the blood. The levels can become dangerous. It’s important to monitor these levels through regular blood tests and adjust intake accordingly.

5. Avoid herbal supplements and alternative therapies. Some can harm kidneys or interact with medications. Always tell your healthcare provider about any supplements you take. This is to ensure they are safe for your kidneys.

6. Eating too much protein can strain the kidneys. You must balance protein intake. Do this based on your provider’s advice. It prevents more stress on the kidneys.

7. Alcohol and Caffeine can affect kidney function and hydration status. Moderation is key, and it’s advisable to consult with your healthcare provider regarding safe limits.

8. Excessive salt intake can contribute to high blood pressure and fluid retention, both of which can strain the kidneys. Limiting salt in your diet can help manage these risks.

Is Kidney Disease Hereditary

Yes, kidney disease can be hereditary. This is especially true for certain types of kidney disorders. One of the most well-known inherited kidney diseases is Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD). Cysts full of fluid grow in the kidneys over time. This growth can lead to kidney failure. PKD is passed down through families. This is due to genetic mutations that affect kidney function.

Another genetic kidney disorder is Alport Syndrome. It affects the kidney’s filtering units, called glomeruli. It can also affect the inner ear and eyes. Fabry Disease is another rare genetic condition. It causes a buildup of specific fats in cells throughout the body, including the kidneys.

ADTKD is a group of inherited kidney disorders. They mainly affect the kidney tubules. These conditions can show up differently in each affected person. But, they all have a genetic basis and can run in families.

Individuals inherit these kidney diseases. But, it’s important to note that not all kidney diseases are hereditary. Genetics and the environment influence many kidney conditions. This includes diet, lifestyle, and other health conditions.

The Bottom Line

To manage your health, you must know the symptoms. You must also know the progression of stage 3 kidney disease. You can recognize signs such as changes in urination, fatigue, and fluid retention. You can use them to work closely with your healthcare team. Together, you can make a personalized treatment plan. Monitoring and lifestyle changes can help slow kidney disease. They can also improve your life. Taking proactive steps now can help. This includes buying CKD medications from 365 Script Care, our online pharmacy partner. It can make a big difference in managing your kidney health in the long term.