What is stage 4 chronic kidney disease?
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There are five stages of CKD. Your doctor determines your stage of kidney disease based on the presence of kidney damage and your estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR), which is a measure of your level of kidney function. Your treatment is based on your stage of kidney disease. Speak to your doctor or specialist nurse if you have any questions about your stage of kidney disease or your treatment. Stage 1A patient at Stage 1 CKD has a GFR of 90 or higher. Kidney function is normal with few or no physical symptoms. At this stage because the kidneys are still well most people will not know they are at Stage 1 CKD. If a person is diagnosed at Stage 1 CKD it is because they are being treated for diabetes of high blood pressure or they have a family history of kidney disease. Signs & Symptoms of Stage 1 CKD
Stage 2A patient at Stage 2 CKD has a GFR of 60-89. There is usually are few or no physical symptoms at this stage. Although the kidneys are not working at 100% at this stage because the kidneys are still well most people will not know they are at Stage 2 CKD. If a person is diagnosed at Stage 2 CKD it is because they are being treated for diabetes of high blood pressure or they have a family history of kidney disease. Signs & Symptoms of Stage 2 CKD
Stage 3A patient at Stage 3 CKD has moderate kidney damage. At Stage 3a GFR is 45-59 and Stage 3b is 30-44. As the function of the kidney will be declining waste products will start to build up in the blood. The toxic build-up of high concentrations of nitrogenous substances is called uraemia. Signs & Symptoms of Stage 3 CKD
Stage 4A patient with Stage 4 CKD has severe kidney damage. At Stage 4 GFR is 15-30. As the function of the kidney will be declining waste products will start to build up in the blood. The toxic build-up of high concentrations of nitrogenous substances is called Uraemia. It is likely that a patient at Stage 4 CKD will need dialysis or a kidney transplant soon. Signs & Symptoms of Stage 4 CKD
Stage 5A person with stage 5 chronic kidney disease has end stage renal disease (ESRD) with a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of 15 ml/min or less. At this advanced stage of kidney disease, the kidneys have lost nearly all their ability to do their job effectively, and eventually dialysis or a kidney transplant is needed to live. Signs & Symptoms of Stage 5 CKD
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is when the kidneys are damaged and not able to work as they should in filtering blood. It affects more than 37 million adults in the United States. While the most common causes of CKD are diabetes and high blood pressure, other causes include infections, genetic disorders, and heavy metal poisoning. There are five stages of kidney disease, with each stage referring to the level of your kidney functioning. This article will go over the specifics of stage 4 kidney disease, including symptoms, complications, and treatments. Your stage of kidney disease is based on eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate) blood tests. This test measures how well your kidneys are working. Stage 4 kidney disease is when your eGFR is between 15 and 29. This number means there is moderate to severe damage to the kidneys, and the situation is serious. It is also the last stage before kidney failure. You and your healthcare provider may start to prepare options for when your kidneys fail, including treatments you may want to pursue. SymptomsBy this point, many people living with stage 4 kidney disease will have notable symptoms. This is because the kidneys are significantly impaired and cannot function properly, leading to worsening of symptoms. These symptoms can include:
Other symptoms may include trouble concentrating, dry and itchy skin, trouble sleeping, appetite changes, foamy or bubbly urine,
and muscle cramping. Side EffectsComplications due to low kidney function often occur at stage 4. This is because the kidneys cannot filter waste and excess fluid or perform tasks to help other organs and body systems work properly. Complications can include:
TreatmentThere is no curative treatment for stage 4 kidney disease, but there are things you can do to help slow down the progression and keep you as healthy as possible. MonitorMonitoring kidney disease is important so that your healthcare provider and treatment team can keep an eye on your blood and urine levels, and make sure that any related health complications can be kept under control and appropriately treated. Regular visits to your nephrologist (kidney specialist) are an important part of monitoring. Slow Progression The aim at every stage is to slow the progression of kidney disease, and this is especially important at stage 4. This can include diet and lifestyle, as
explained below, but also medication, if appropriate. Medication can include medication to help control blood pressure, or medication to control blood glucose (for those with diabetes). DietChanges to your diet can help to slow down progressive kidney disease and help treat and prevent complications. The most important aspects of dietary modifications include:
These help to control blood pressure and excess protein in the urine. Other steps for a healthy diet can include limiting dietary phosphorus and potassium. Meeting and
working with a nutritionist who specializes in healthy diets for chronic kidney disease is important to help you create personalized diets for your medical and nutritional needs. Ask your nephrologist for suggestions for local nutritionists that can help you. Foods High in Phosphorus
Foods High in Potassium
Lifestyle Lifestyle changes can help slow down the progression of kidney disease as well. Things like quitting smoking and/or alcohol, and staying physically active (if your provider says
it’s OK) are important. Smoking cigarettes is associated with CKD progression, and physical activity can help with glucose control and maintaining a healthy weight. Life ExpectancyLife expectancy with stage 4 kidney disease can vary, depending on your age, overall health, other medical conditions, and your adherence to treatment and management plans. It can range from a little more than a year to more than 15 years. There is no specific time frame, as this can vary widely among individuals and their circumstances. SummaryKidney disease has five stages, with stage 5 being kidney failure. Stage 4 occurs when the kidneys are significantly damaged. Symptoms are likely very noticeable, such as back pain, changes in urination, and swelling of the hands and feet. Complications from kidney disease are not uncommon, such as anemia or bone disease. At this point, it is important to try to delay disease progression for as long as possible. Monitoring, medication management, and dietary and lifestyle changes can help. A Word From Verywell Although kidney disease is not curable, it is treatable. Even at stage
4, there are things you can do to stay as healthy as possible. Talk with your healthcare provider about steps you can take to improve your health. While it's a scary conversation to have, now is the time to discuss what you would like to do when you go into kidney failure. Frequently Asked Questions
Thanks for your feedback! How long can you live with chronic kidney disease stage 4?Prognosis tends to be poorer with age. At 40 years old, life expectancy is about 10.4 years for men and 9.1 years for women. At 60 years old, life expectancy is about 5.6 years for men and 6.2 years for women. At 80 years old, life expectancy is about 2.5 years for men and 3.1 years for women.
Can you fix Stage 4 kidney disease?Stage 4 kidney disease cannot be reversed, but you can do different things to help slow disease progression. For people with CKD, it's crucial to control any other health issues you may have, treat any potential complications of kidney disease, and manage or prevent heart disease.
What are the symptoms of chronic kidney disease stage 4?Symptoms of stage 4 kidney disease
Fluid retention, swelling (edema) of extremities and shortness of breath. Urination changes (foamy; dark orange, brown, tea-colored or red if it contains blood; and urinating more or less than normal) Kidney pain felt in their back. Sleep problems due to muscle cramps or restless legs.
Can you live a long life with stage 4 kidney disease?It's possible to live a long, healthy life even when you have stage four chronic kidney disease. Your quality of life is greatly impacted by your nutrition and lifestyle. Learn more about how you can improve your life with stage four chronic kidney disease.
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