The kidneys play a critical role in keeping your body healthy by filtering waste and excess fluid from your blood and into the urine. Chronic kidney disease, or CKD, is a progressive condition that impacts your kidney function, leaving your health at risk. The sooner CKD is treated and managed, the better the outcomes for your health. Dr. Kanu and his patient-centered team at Texas Kidney Partners will work alongside you to halt or slow the progression of your CKD, safeguarding your health.
What Are the Stages of Kidney Disease?
The National Kidney Foundation (NKF) has outlined five stages of CKD. Each is determined using the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which determines how well the kidneys continue to filter waste, or using the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), a formula that considers a patient’s age, race, gender, and serum creatinine level.
Early Kidney Disease – Stages 1-3: In the earliest stages of CKD, the kidneys continue to filter waste and excess fluids from the blood. Medications and lifestyle changes can successfully manage CKD and maintain your kidney health.
- Stage 1 – eGFR of 90 or Higher: At this stage, patients typically have normal kidney function, but may have one or more risk factors such as diabetes, hypertension, smoking, or heart disease. Many individuals remain undiagnosed at this stage. Staying active, maintaining a healthy weight, and following a nutritious diet can help slow the progression of chronic kidney disease and support long-term kidney health.
- Stage 2 – eGFR of 60-89: The kidneys continue to remain relatively healthy and function normally. However, test results may indicate mild damage, including protein in the urine. Early detection, treatment, and lifestyle changes during this stage are critical to minimizing further damage.
- Stage 3a – GFR of 45 – 59 and Stage 3b – GFR of 30 – 44: During stages 3a and 3b, the kidneys may no longer filter excess fluids and waste effectively. Patients may experience symptoms, including high blood pressure, swelling of the hands and feet, bone disease, anemia, and overall fatigue. At this point, seeking treatment is vital to preventing or minimizing further kidney damage.
Advanced Kidney Disease – Stages 4-5: In these advanced stages, the kidneys struggle to filter waste and toxins from the blood and may stop functioning altogether.
- Stage 4 – eGFR of 15-29: Stage 4 CKD is marked by moderate to severe kidney damage and symptoms similar to those experienced in stage 3. These include high blood pressure, heart disease, swelling of the hands and feet, and chronic fatigue. Stage 4 CKD is serious and requires intervention and care to slow down the progression of the damage. This may also be time to consider treatment options in the event of kidney failure.
- Stage 5 – eGFR of less than 15: Also known as end-stage kidney disease, this is the most advanced stage of chronic kidney disease, indicating that the kidneys have severely deteriorated or have failed. The only options for survival with kidney failure are dialysis or a kidney transplant. Dr. Kanu will outline your options and help you determine the ideal solution to manage your condition.
Why Early Detection Matters
Early detection of CKD offers the best chance to control the disease before it causes significant damage. Detecting and treating CKD in its initial stages can significantly slow the progression of the disease, decreasing the likelihood of developing severe complications such as cardiovascular disease and kidney failure.
How to Detect Kidney Disease in its Early Stages
Early detection of kidney disease typically involves routine screenings, especially for those at risk. These include blood tests to check the levels of creatinine, a waste product that may indicate poor kidney function if elevated. We also recommend urine tests to check for the presence of protein (albumin), which is often one of the first signs of kidney damage, even before noticeable symptoms appear.
Regular annual checkups with your primary care physician are critical for early detection, especially if you have risk factors like family history, diabetes, or high blood pressure. If tests reveal the early stages of CKD, Dr. Kanu and his team at Texas Kidney Partners will recommend prompt treatment and lifestyle changes to support your kidney health.
How to Slow the Progression of Chronic Kidney Disease
Slowing the progression of CKD involves medical treatment and lifestyle modifications, including the following:
- Treating and controlling high blood pressure
- Managing diabetes and keeping blood sugar levels in check
- Maintaining a kidney-healthy diet
- Limiting salt, potassium, and phosphorus intake
- Drinking plenty of water
- Engaging in regular exercise and activity
- Avoiding nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and naproxen
- Regularly monitoring kidney function through routine testing
CKD Treatment and Management in McKinney, TX
If you have any symptoms or risk factors for CKD, Dr. Kanu and his team at Texas Kidney Partners are here to help. We are committed to providing personalized care and guidance to slow the progression of CKD and maintain your kidney health. Contact us at 469-613-2343 to schedule a consultation, or complete our online form to request an appointment today!