When a patient is diagnosed with stage 3 kidney disease, they may have questions about what to expect and how their illness may progress. Although it is a very concerning diagnosis, it is a disease that can be managed if caught early.
Chronic kidney disease is a condition in which the kidneys become damaged over time. The changes it causes to the kidneys are permanent, but the disease’s progression can sometimes be slowed or stopped depending on the stage in which it is detected.
There are five different stages of chronic kidney disease, with stage 1 denoting the best kidney function and stage 5 signifying kidney failure. In stage 3, the damage is considered mild to moderate, and it may still be possible to stop it from getting worse.
Stage 3 Kidney Disease Symptoms
Some of the symptoms that could indicate a person is suffering from stage 3 kidney disease include fluid retention, weakness, pain in the lower back, elevated blood pressure and unexplained fatigue. A patient might be urinating more or less frequently than normal, and their urine may appear red, orange or dark yellow. They may also experience insomnia and other sleeping problems.
However, it is important to note that these symptoms are not always cause for alarm. It is best to discuss any symptoms with a doctor for a correct diagnosis.
Treatment For Stage 3 Kidney Disease
While there is no cure for chronic kidney disease, there is still a chance to stop the disease from progressing at this stage through lifestyle changes and medical treatments. A doctor can advise on the right combination of measures for each individual case.
Focus On Diet
Improvements to diet can make a big difference for people with stage 3 kidney disease. Because the kidneys remove waste from the body, eating the wrong foods can overtax these organs. That is why it is essential for those who have been diagnosed with kidney disease to cut processed foods out of their diet. Reducing saturated fats can also help.
The focus of a patient’s diet should be whole grains and produce. In some cases, they may be advised to reduce their protein intake. They may also be instructed to avoid high-potassium foods like bananas and tomatoes if their potassium level is too high.
Some patients may experience a loss of appetite as a result of the disease, putting them at risk of malnutrition. Eating smaller and more frequent meals throughout the day can help ensure they get the nutrients and calories they need.
Medical Treatment To Consider
With stage 3 chronic kidney disease, there is no need for dialysis or kidney transplants. Patients are prescribed medications to address any underlying medical issues that could be contributing to their kidney damage.
This might include glucose management drugs for diabetics and ACE inhibitors for those with high blood pressure. In addition, some medications might be prescribed to help alleviate the disease’s side effects. For example, patients might be given iron supplements for anemia, diuretics for edema, drugs to lower cholesterol or calcium supplements to prevent bone fractures.
Living With Stage 3 Kidney Disease
There are a few other lifestyle changes that can help manage chronic kidney disease. For example, exercising can help. Around 30 minutes of moderate activity each day is a good goal.
Because high blood pressure can make stage 3 kidney disease worse, it is important to try to keep stress levels low. Getting better sleep, meditation, yoga and regular exercise can all help alleviate stress. In addition, those who smoke should quit.
Can It Be Reversed?
Unfortunately, it is not possible to reverse kidney disease at any stage. However, it is still possible at stage 3 to minimize further damage. Once a patient reaches stage 4 or 5, controlling it becomes much more difficult, so this is a crucial stage for taking action.
What Is The Life Expectancy With Stage 3 Kidney Disease?
When stage 3 kidney disease is diagnosed early and managed efficiently, it has a longer life expectancy than some of the more advanced stages of the disease. For people who are diagnosed at age 40, the average life expectancy is 24 years for men and 28 for women, although this may be different for those of different ages; lifestyle factors also play a role.
It is important to keep in mind that chronic kidney disease could lead to other complications, such as cardiovascular disease. This can also have an impact on a person’s overall life expectancy.
Talk With Harbor Light Hospice
If kidney disease progresses to the end stages, patients may reach the point where dialysis becomes more of a burden than a help. At this stage, it can be helpful to enlist the support of hospice care to provide comfort to patients and their loved ones as they go through the final stages of kidney failure. Talk to Harbor Light Hospice to find out how they can help patients and families with the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual aspects of serious illnesses like chronic kidney disease.
