There are approximately 31 million people in the United States who are affected by kidney disease. Kidney disease is a term that refers to any kind of damage to the kidneys that makes them function at a lesser capacity. To determine the level of damage to kidneys, doctors use the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) to identify how well the kidneys are filtering waste products out of the blood. A normal eGFR is 90 percent or higher. Using the eGFR, doctors talk about kidney disease in terms of stages. If your older family member has kidney disease, it can be helpful to know the stages. The 5 stages of kidney disease are described below.
Stage 1
In this stage, the damage to the kidneys is mild. The eGFR is still at 90 percent or more, but the person has some signs of kidney damage, such as protein in the blood or physical damage to the kidneys. People with stage 1 kidney disease can take steps to reduce the rate of progression, such as:
- Controlling blood sugar and high blood pressure.
- Following a healthy diet.
- Quitting smoking.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
Stage 2
In stage 2, the eGFR is between 60 and 89 percent. Although the kidneys are still working well and generally healthy, there are other signs of damage. Following the same steps listed above will help to keep the damage from getting worse.
Stage 3
People who have stage 3 kidney disease have an eGFR of 30 to 59 percent. At this point, the kidneys aren’t working as well as they should. While the person may not have any symptoms, they could be experiencing:
- Hands and feet that swell.
- Pain in the back.
- Reduced urination.
The older adult may also have other health problems related to kidney disease, such as:
- High blood pressure.
- Anemia.
- Bone disease.
Stage 4
Stage 4 is characterized by an eGFR between 15 and 29. The kidneys have moderate or severe damage and don’t work as well as they should. Because this is the final stage before kidney failure, it’s important that older adults with stage 4 kidney disease take it very seriously. The doctor will suggest regular visits with a nephrologist (kidney doctor) and working with a dietician to follow a diet that will support the kidneys. The doctor may also prescribe medications that protect the kidneys.
Stage 5
When the eGFR reaches 15 or below, the older adult is in the final stages of kidney disease. The kidneys are close to failing and may cause symptoms like:
- Itching.
- Muscle cramps.
- Lack of appetite.
- Swelling.
- Back pain.
- Reduced urination.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Trouble sleeping.
When the kidneys fail, the person will require dialysis or a kidney transplant.
Regardless of what stage of kidney disease your aging relative is in, senior care can help. A senior care provider can cook healthy meals to keep kidneys as healthy as possible. They can also help the older adult with losing weight through diet and exercise. For example, a senior care provider can take walks with the older adult or drive them to an exercise class. In addition, if they are taking medications for high blood pressure or to support the kidneys, a senior care provider can remind them to take them, so they don’t miss a dose.
Sources
https://www.kidneyfund.org/kidney-disease/chronic-kidney-disease-ckd/stages-of-chronic-kidney-disease/
https://nephcure.org/livingwithkidneydisease/what-is-kidney-disease-2/
If you or an aging loved-one are considering senior care in Greenwood Village, CO, please contact the caring staff at SYNERGY HomeCare today. Call us at (303) 756-9322.
