What Is Stage 3 Kidney Disease And What Are Its Symptoms?
Introduction
It is estimated that over 37 million adults in the United States have chronic kidney disease—and most of them don’t know it. Kidney disease often has no symptoms in its early stages, so it can go unnoticed until it is very advanced.
The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs, each about the size of a fist. They are located just below your ribs, on either side of your spine. Your kidneys filter waste and excess fluids from your blood, which are then excreted in your urine. They also help regulate blood pressure, electrolyte balance, and red blood cell production.
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) means that your kidneys are damaged and can’t filter blood the way they should. The progress of CKD is often slow, and it can take many years to reach an advanced stage. In fact, most people with CKD do not even know they have it until their kidney function has already begun to decline.
There are five stages of CKD, and each stage is associated with a different level of kidney function. Stage 3 CKD is considered moderate kidney damage. At this stage, the kidneys are still able to filter waste and excess fluids from the blood relatively well. However, stage 3 CKD is a serious condition because it means the kidneys are starting to fail. If left untreated, stage 3 CKD can lead to more serious health problems, including kidney failure.
What is stage 3 kidney disease?
Stage 3 kidney disease is a medical condition in which the kidneys are not functioning properly and waste products begin to accumulate in the blood. This can lead to serious health problems, including kidney failure.
Symptoms of stage 3 kidney disease
The most common symptom of stage 3 kidney disease is fatigue. This is because the kidneys are not able to remove waste from the blood as efficiently as they should, and this can lead to a build-up of toxins in the body. Other symptoms include:
– Shortness of breath
– Swelling in the ankles, feet, or legs
– Difficulty sleeping
– Loss of appetite
– Nausea and vomiting
– Weight loss
– Itchy skin
Treatment options for stage 3 kidney disease
There are a few different treatment options available for stage 3 kidney disease. The first option is to do nothing and hope that the kidney disease progresses slowly. This is not a very effective option, however, as most people with stage 3 kidney disease will eventually progress to stage 4 or 5 within a few years. The second option is to begin dialysis treatments. Dialysis is a process whereby the blood is filtered through a machine in order to remove toxins and excess fluid.
This can be done either at home or in a hospital setting, and most people with stage 3 kidney disease will require at least three sessions per week. The third option is to have a kidney transplant. This is often the best option for those with stage 3 kidney disease, as it can significantly prolong life expectancy and improve quality of life.
Conclusion
In conclusion, stage 3 kidney disease is a serious condition that can lead to many complications if left untreated. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent the progression of the disease. There are many treatment options available for stage 3 kidney disease, so it is important to work with a healthcare team to determine the best course of action.
