Edema in Stage 3 CKD: Causes and Treatment

Patient in stage 3 CKD has a moderate decrease in glomerular filtration rate of 30~59ml/min. Because of the relatively severe kidney damage, some symptoms appear. Among them, one obvious symptom is edema in stage 3 CKD.

Causes of edema in stage 3 CKD

Because glomeruli have filtration function, initial urine forms after blood flowing through glomeruli. Kidney tubules have reabsorption function, so most water is reabsorbed from initial urine. Kidney can keep the balance of water in body by controlling the amount of blood being filtered and the amount of urine being excreted. In stage 3 CKD, moderate damages have formed, and kidney function is not well enough to keep the balance of body fluid, so edema appears in patient’s lower hands ,legs and around his eyes. Some patients with severe edema may feel hard to breathe.

Treatment of edema in stage 3 CKD

Patients in stage 3 CKD need to see a nephrologist and dietitian. The nephrologist will check patients’ condition and carry out lab tests, then gives best therapies based on the result to make kidney work as long as possible.

To treat edema, limiting the fluid intake is needed, if necessary, some medicines. Diuretic is able to increase the kidney output, thus removing excess water from the body to ease patients’ edema. Besides, some foods and herbs such as celery, dandelion root tea and nettle leaf tea can be used as natural diuretic.

The dietitian will make a regular eating plan to preserve kidney function and overall health. Patient should also remember avoiding being tired, and strengthening body’s immunity. Here, dietitian gives three suggestions to ease patients' edema. 

Diet changes

1. Protein

The intake of protein should be restricted at the level of 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight, the same level recommended for healthy people, which can reduce the excess workload of kidney, and high-quality protein should be taken, such as fish, meat, milk, egg white, etc.

2. Sodium

Diet with low sodium is recommended, because too much sodium may cause high blood pressure and edema, or aggravate these symptoms.

3. Phosphorus and calcium

The amount of phosphorus should be limited if blood phosphorus and PTH are abnormal. Calcium should be limited if blood pressure is too high. Phosphorus and calcium compete for absorption to make electrolyte balance, and phosphorus should be limited if patients are at the risks of kidney bone disease.

If you are experiencing edema caused by stage 3 CKD and haven’t found an effective treatment, you can consult the online doctor or leave a message to us, so kidney experts at kidney cares community can give you suggestions timely.