A stage 4 kidney disease diagnosis can feel overwhelming, but understanding what it means is a great first step toward managing it well.
Kidney disease is measured using a score called eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate), which shows how well your kidneys are filtering your blood. Stage 4 means your eGFR is between Show Full Answer
A stage 4 kidney disease diagnosis can feel overwhelming, but understanding what it means is a great first step toward managing it well.
Kidney disease is measured using a score called eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate), which shows how well your kidneys are filtering your blood. Stage 4 means your eGFR is between 15 and 29, indicating your kidneys have lost a significant amount of their filtering ability. At this stage, waste and fluid can build up in your body. Common symptoms include:
- Changes in how often you urinate
- Foamy or bubbly urine
- Fatigue and weakness
- Swelling in your arms, legs, or face
- Nausea, vomiting, or poor appetite
- Muscle cramps
- Itchy skin
- Brain fog or difficulty concentrating
- Shortness of breath
- Lower back pain The good news is that stage 4 is manageable. Working closely with your kidney doctor (nephrologist) is really important at this stage. They'll monitor your blood and urine regularly to track how your kidneys are doing and catch any complications early.
It's also a good time to start learning about treatment options like dialysis or a kidney transplant, in case your kidneys decline further. The choices you make now — like following a kidney-friendly diet and sticking to your treatment plan — can make a real difference in your quality of life.
August 11
Continue with Facebook
Continue with Email
Join
Your Privacy Choices
