What is Stage 5 Kidney Disease?

Stage 5 Kidney Disease: How to Identify and Manage It

Stage 5 kidney disease, also known as end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), refers to chronic kidney failure. In this condition, individuals are diagnosed with an egfr (estimated glomerular filtration rate) below 15 for 3 consecutive months. Your kidneys lose their ability to filter toxins and can perform only 15% of their normal work during this condition.

Therefore, it is essential to consult a doctor and begin the necessary treatment procedures if you are suffering from stage 5 CKD. Read ahead to learn more about stage 5 kidney disease, including how to identify it and its treatment options.

How to Identify if You Have Stage 5 CKD (Chronic Kidney Disease)?

Knowing the symptoms of chronic kidney disease will help you identify if you are facing such issues. The common symptoms include:

• Fatigue
• Less urination than usual
• Swelling of hands, arms, feet, or legs
• Cramps in the muscles
• Headaches
• Nausea
• Pain in the lower back
• Loss of appetite
• Changes in skin colour
• Breathing issues, etc.

What Causes Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)?

Kidney disease arises from health conditions that impair your kidney function. It leads to damage that may worsen over time. In some instances, kidney damage continues to worsen even after the underlying issue is resolved. Several diseases and conditions can cause chronic kidney disease.

Some of those causes include:

• High blood pressure
• Type 1 or type 2 diabetes
• Glomerulonephritis is inflammation of the kidney's filtering units (glomeruli)
• Interstitial nephritis, inflammation of the kidney's tubules and interstitial tissues
• Polycystic kidney disease and other genetic kidney diseases
• Chronic obstruction of the urinary tract, e.g., an enlarged prostate, kidney stones, or some cancers
• Vesicoureteral reflux or backflow of urine into the kidneys
• Repeated kidney infection (pyelonephritis)

Other factors that might contribute to kidney failure include heart disease, family history, medications, and autoimmune disorders. Identifying the cause is essential for slowing and controlling kidney disease.

What are the Complications of Stage 5 CKD?

Individuals suffering from stage 5 CKD often face some complications and health hazards. Some of these complications are listed below:

• Acid buildup in your blood (metabolic acidosis)
• Low red blood cells in your blood (anaemia)
• The calcium and phosphorus levels in your blood go out of balance, causing heart or bone diseases bone and mineral disorders)
• Increase in potassium level in your blood (hyperkalemia)

If you are suffering from stage 5 CKD, it is necessary to go for a routine checkup. Your healthcare provider will monitor your condition regularly and check for complications. Additionally, this assessment is even more crucial if you are undergoing dialysis. Your doctor will likely request blood tests to monitor your kidney condition.

What are the Treatment Procedures for Stage 5 CKD?

Stage 5 chronic kidney disease (CKD) is severe; only proper care can manage complications and underlying conditions such as anaemia and bone disease. Patients are typically given a set of medications to prevent complications.

Before initiating treatment plans such as dialysis and kidney transplantation, your nephrologist will assess your condition thoroughly. In some cases, conservative care may be recommended if dialysis or transplant isn't suitable.

This approach involves continuing medication without dialysis. Each patient's unique circumstances and preferences are taken into account when determining the best kidney replacement therapy.

Plans for starting dialysis should be in place by this stage. The goal is to tailor treatment to the individual's needs and ensure a smooth transition into the necessary care.

How to Manage Stage 5 Kidney Disease?

Proper management of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is crucial for maintaining a high quality of life. This includes regular exercise, following a kidney-friendly diet, quitting smoking, and controlling other health conditions. Frequent hospital visits are necessary to monitor your kidney status. As CKD progresses, starting kidney replacement therapy, such as dialysis or transplant, may become necessary to manage symptoms and maintain health.

When is the Right Time for Kidney Replacement Therapy?

The timing for starting dialysis is individualized and depends on your symptoms and blood test results rather than a fixed rule. Your nephrologist will consider your lifestyle, life goals, and overall health to decide when dialysis should begin, ensuring the treatment best fits your personal needs.

Individuals diagnosed with stage 5 CKD generally need immediate clinical checkups to start treatment procedures like dialysis or kidney transplantation urgently. It is essential to handle such situations seriously and take good care of your health, even after the treatment process begins. The expenses for kidney replacement or dialysis can drain your finances.

Therefore, having a health insurance plan can provide you with protection during such times. At Star Health, we offer coverage for critical health conditions under our Star Critical Illness Multipay Insurance Policy. We provide hassle-free claim settlements with a reduced turnaround time across over 14,000 network hospitals in India.

Also Read:

→ What is the Cause of Kidney Failure

→ What are the Signs of Kidney Damage

→ What are the Stages of Chronic Kidney Disease

→ What Food is Good for a Kidney Patient

→ What is Stage 1 Kidney Disease