Stage 4 Kidney Disease Life Expectancy

The exact life expectancy for kidney patients that are on stage 4 is affected by many factors such as the patient’s age, gender, underlying cause, treatment, diets and life habits as well as other complications like heart problems. Here we mainly talk about how the treatment can affect the life expectancy of stage 4 kidney disease patients.

If left untreated, it will progress into the final stage in which the patient’s life is at risk at any time if no renal replacement therapy is received. The average life span of renal dialysis is just about 5 years and kidney transplant can double or even triple the life span than dialysis. Of cause, this is just an average data and it can not be applied to every patients.

Patients of stage 4 CKD still have about 15%-25% kidney functions. If stage 4 kidney disease can be reversed to stage 3 or at least the further deterioration is prevented, patients can stay in this stage for many years without having dialysis or kidney transplant.

Patients on stage 4 can still live a long life if the followings can be achieved.

1. If your nephrologist can find out what is the underlying cause of your kidney damages, it will be of great help. At least you know how to prevent further deterioration. High blood pressure and diabetes are major causes of chronic kidney disease. So if high blood pressure and high blood sugar are well controlled, further illness progression will be prevented and if the treatment is received early, some kidney functions can even be restored.

2. Have proper diets and healthy life styles. Stage 4 kidney disease patients have had obvious symptoms and complications such as high blood pressure, swelling, anemia, bone problems, high phosphorus, acidosis, etc. Proper diets, giving up smoking and drinking alcohol can help consolidate the medicines and treatment, reduce burdens to the kidney. Low-protein, low-fat, low-salt, low-potassium, low-phosphorus diets can help slow illness progression and protect kidney functions. At the same time of limiting protein intake, patients can have ketosteril to meet the body’s need for amino acids.

3. Chinese medicines. Seek help from a professional practitioner of Chinese medicines. It is not only about herbal medicines, but also include many external applications such as massage, acupuncture, cupping therapy, tai chi, medicated bath, etc. You will find they are very helpful for your illness conditions.

Stage 4 kidney disease is compatible with life, theoretically one can live decades if the above can be achieved.