Understanding Chronic Kidney Disease Stages: A Complete Guide to Early Detection

Chronic kidney disease stages (Image thewell.northwell.edu)

YOGYAKARTA - The chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage is one of the important health topics to understand. Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) develops slowly and often does not show clear signs in the early stages. Understanding the chronic kidney disease symptom stage can help you do prevention and treatment earlier, so that your quality of life is maintained.

This disease is characterized by a gradual decrease in kidney function for more than three months. The kidneys play a role in filtering blood waste, regulating body fluids, and maintaining electrolyte balance. When these functions are disrupted, toxins accumulate and trigger various health problems. In Indonesia, CKD is a burden on public health because it is often detected late.

Know the Stages of Chronic Kidney Symptoms

The chronic kidney disease stage refers to the stage of disease development based on glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). There are five main stages that are the world's medical reference:

Stage 1 (eGFR ≥ 90 mL/min):

Mild kidney damage with normal function. Most people do not feel any symptoms. Sometimes protein is found in the urine or high blood pressure during routine examinations. At this stage, the chronic kidney symptom phase is almost invisible, so detection through laboratory tests is highly recommended for people with diabetes or hypertension.

Stage 2 (eGFR 60-89 mL/min):

Mild renal dysfunction. Symptoms are still minimal, possibly mild fatigue, changes in urination frequency, or foamy urine. Many patients ignore this sign because it is similar to normal fatigue.

Stage 3 (eGFR 30-59 mL/min):

Moderate decline, divided into 3a and 3b. This is the phase in which the chronic kidney disease symptoms begin to be felt. Common symptoms include:

Fatigue and excessive weakness Swelling (edema) in the legs, ankles, or face Dry and itchy skin Muscle cramps Changes in urine (more frequent or infrequent, foamy, or bloody) Hypertension that is difficult to control

At this stage, complications such as anemia begin to appear because the kidneys are less able to produce the hormone erythropoietin.

Stage 4 (eGFR 15-29 mL/min):

Severe damage. Symptoms are getting heavier and affecting quality of life. Patients often experience nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, shortness of breath, chest pain, and concentration disorders. Swelling is getting worse, and the risk of heart complications increases. Intensive treatment is needed to slow down the progression to the final stage.

Stage 5 (eGFR < 15 mL/min):

End-stage renal failure. The kidneys are almost nonfunctional. Symptoms include extreme fatigue, swelling of the entire body, severe nausea, breath odor like ammonia, intense itching, and decreased consciousness. Patients usually require dialysis (dialysis) or kidney transplantation to survive.

Risk Factors and Prevention

Diabetes mellitus and hypertension are the main causes of the chronic kidney disease stage in Indonesia. Other factors include obesity, smoking, excessive use of certain drugs, and family history. The best prevention is blood sugar control, blood pressure, low salt intake and excessive protein, and regular exercise. Routine urine and blood creatinine tests are highly recommended for high-risk groups.

Diagnosis and Management of Chronic Kidney Symptom Phase

Diagnosis is carried out through blood tests (eGFR, creatinine), urine (proteinuria), and ultrasound of the kidneys. Treatment focuses on controlling the main causes, reducing symptoms, and preventing complications. Special kidney diets, phosphate binders, and iron supplements are often recommended. Consultation with a nephrologist is very important.

Understanding the stages of chronic kidney disease gives hope to sufferers. With early detection, the progression of the disease can be drastically slowed down. Don't ignore small signs such as chronic fatigue or swelling. Immediately check yourself if you feel something is wrong with your kidney health.

Kidney health is a long-term investment. Start a healthy lifestyle today to avoid getting into the further chronic kidney symptoms phase. Consult a professional medical team for advice that is appropriate for your personal condition. Also know: The Number of People with Chronic Kidney Disease Increases Worldwide, This is the Cause

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