What does stage 4 kidney disease mean?
Stage 4 chronic kidney disease means your kidneys have severe damage and aren't filtering waste and fluid from your blood well. At this stage, your eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate) is between 15 and 29, showing significant loss of kidney function.
Stage 4 is considered Show Full Answer
What does stage 4 kidney disease mean?
Stage 4 chronic kidney disease means your kidneys have severe damage and aren't filtering waste and fluid from your blood well. At this stage, your eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate) is between 15 and 29, showing significant loss of kidney function.
Stage 4 is considered advanced kidney disease. It comes after stage 3 and before stage 5, which is kidney failure or end-stage kidney disease. At this point, waste products and fluid build up in your body, which can cause serious health problems.
Common symptoms you might experience include:
* Changes in how often you urinate
* Foamy or bubbly urine
* Fatigue and weakness
* Lower back pain
* Muscle cramps
* Nausea, vomiting, and poor appetite
* Swelling in arms, legs, and face
* Itchy skin
* Confusion or brain fog
* Shortness of breath
Stage 4 can also lead to complications like anemia, bone disease, heart disease, and high blood pressure. Your nephrologist will monitor your blood and urine closely to watch for these issues.
The good news is that with proper management, you can slow progression and maintain quality of life. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms, preventing complications, and preserving remaining kidney function. Your doctor will discuss options like dialysis or kidney transplant if your disease progresses toward stage 5.
March 22
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