Life Expectancy with CKD Stage 3

Kidney is a vital human organ to filter and discharge metabolic wastes and toxins silently. And when patients have clinical symptoms, the renal functions have been lost more than half. This will cause great damages to health affecting not only the urinary system but also the circulatory system.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a general term for a verity of kidney disease and all kidney disorders and damages besides acute nephritis and acute urinary tract infection can be called chronic kidney disease. Though it progresses slowly and is relatively benign, it can gradually develop renal insufficiency and end stage renal disease.

CKD can be classified into 5 stages according to the pathological changes and severity of the illness. GFR (glomerular filtration rate) is a reliable measure of kidney function and hence a criterion for staging CKD.

In stage 3 CKD, the GFR is 30-59 and patients may have the following symptoms such as fatigue, edema, blood in urine, bubble in urine, itching, muscle cramps or restless legs, anemia and early bone disease may appear.

Actually stage 3 CKD is not very serious and it is crucial period for preserving kidney functions and slowing down the illness progression. Stage 3 can be called moderate chronic kidney disease and stage 4 is severe kidney disease and stage 5 is end stage renal disease. With proper treatments, preventions and daily nursing cares, the kidney function can be preserved for many years and so long as end stage renal disease is prevented can patients live a longer life.

What should and can be done in stage 3 CKD for longevity?

Healthy eating: have low high-quality proteins such as fish, milk, egg white and lean meat; have low-phosphorus and low-potassium diets if the level of potassium and phosphorus is high in the blood; limit the intake of salt to alleviate edema and high blood pressure.

Healthy living: CKD patients usually have elevated blood pressure and blood sugar and it is important for them to bring the blood sugar and blood pressure well under control to prevent further renal damages and slow down the illness progression.