Stage 4 kidney disease is a serious stage of chronic kidney disease (CKD) where the kidneys have suffered severe damage and are struggling to do their job. It's measured using an eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate) score between 15 and 29, meaning the kidneys have lost a significant amount of their filtering Show Full Answer
Stage 4 kidney disease is a serious stage of chronic kidney disease (CKD) where the kidneys have suffered severe damage and are struggling to do their job. It's measured using an eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate) score between 15 and 29, meaning the kidneys have lost a significant amount of their filtering ability.
At this stage, waste products like creatinine and urea, along with excess fluid, begin building up in the body. A urine test may also show protein leaking out, which is another sign the kidneys aren't working well. Common symptoms at stage 4 can include:
- Changes in how often you urinate
- Foamy or bubbly urine
- Fatigue and weakness
- Lower back pain
- Muscle cramps
- Nausea and vomiting
- Poor appetite
- Swelling in the arms, legs, or face
- Itchy skin
- Brain fog or difficulty concentrating
- Shortness of breath
While stage 4 is serious, it's not the end of the road. Treatment options, including dialysis and kidney transplants, are available if the kidneys decline further. Close monitoring by a nephrologist (kidney specialist) is really important at this stage to help slow progression and manage complications.
August 9
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