The kidneys are responsible for removing extra water and waste from the blood to produce urine.
In chronic kidney disease, damage to the kidneys happens over a period of time.
This damage can occur due to a variety of reasons.
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Chronic kidney disease is categorized into five stages.
An early diagnosis of CKD can help preserve kidney function and slow progression to the later stages.
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Stages of Chronic Kidney Disease
There arefive stages of chronic kidney disease.
Each chronic kidney disease stage is based onestimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) testresults.
The kidneys have small filters known asglomerulithat help remove excess water and waste from the blood.
The eGFR test is a blood test that measures how well the kidneys function.
This isestimatedby measuring particular waste molecules in the bloodstream.
The most frequently used one is called creatinine (not to be confused with creatine).
Test results determine the stage of CKD.
This waste and fluid may build up in the body and cause problems such as high blood pressure.
While damage to the kidneys usually is not reversible, treatment and healthy lifestyle changes can slow the progression.
With proper treatment, many people do not progress to stages 4 or 5, which iskidney failure.
These steps can improve overall health and may also prevent heart disease.
Diet
Making changes to your diet can help you live well with chronic kidney disease.
These changes can help manage the disease and prevent further damage to the kidneys.
Talk to your pharmacist or healthcare provider before starting an OTC medication.
Being diagnosed with CKD at an older age is associated with a more near-normal life expectancy.
Though there is no cure for CKD, treatment can help you reach near-normal life expectancy.
Frequently Asked Questions
It varies.
Life expectancy depends on the amount of kidney damage and the age at which you reach stage 3.
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American Kidney Fund.Stages of kidney disease.
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National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Eating right for chronic kidney disease.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.National vital statistics report.
Neild GH.Life expectancy with chronic kidney disease: an educational review.Pediatr Nephrol.
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