Education
What Are The 5 Stages of Kidney Failure?
Recognizing symptoms and causes
The kidney is a vital organ that helps to filter waste products from the blood and remove them from the body. Kidney disease occurs when the kidneys are not able to function properly, and can lead to a build-up of toxins in the blood. Kidney disease can be acute, which means it comes on suddenly, or chronic, which means it progresses slowly over time and requires ongoing treatment.
There are five stages of kidney failure, also called renal failure
Recognizing the symptoms and causes of the five kidney failure stages can help you prioritize preventative care and seek treatment when necessary.
What Causes Kidney Failure?
Kidney failure occurs when the kidneys can no longer function properly. This can be due to a number of different causes, including diabetes, high blood pressure, and other diseases.
How Many Stages of Kidney Failure Are There?
There are five stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD). The fifth stage is also known as end stage kidney disease, which also means that the kidneys are failing. Technically, kidney failure is one of the five stages of kidney disease and does not have stages itself.
Early Kidney Disease Symptoms
The symptoms of kidney failure vary depending on the stage of the disease. In early stages, there may be no symptoms at all. As the disease progresses, the signs of kidney failure increase, often to a point that affects quality of life.
If you are experiencing any symptoms of kidney failure, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment can help to slow the progression of the disease and improve your overall prognosis.Â
High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is one of the most common causes of kidney failure. When blood pressure is too high, it puts extra strain on the arteries and vessels that carry blood to the kidneys. Over time, this can damage the kidneys and cause them to fail. Individuals with kidney disease may experience high blood pressure as one of the first signs that their kidneys are not functioning properly, though high blood pressure on its own does not always signify kidney failure.
Swelling
Swelling, also called edema, is a common symptom of kidney failure. When the kidneys are not able to remove excess fluid from the body, it can build up in the tissues and cause swelling. Swelling often occurs in the legs, feet, and ankles, but can also affect the hands, arms, face, and abdomen.
Urinary Issues
Changes in urinary habits can be a sign of kidney disease. People with kidney failure may notice that they are urinating more often, or that their urine is abnormal in color or odor. They may also have difficulty urinating, or feel pain when doing so. Individuals with kidney disease may also be more prone to urinary infections.
Fatigue
Fatigue is a common symptom of kidney failure, as the kidneys are not able to remove waste products from the blood properly. This can lead to a build-up of toxins in the body, which can make people feel tired and run down.
Pain
Though not always present in earlier stages, pain is a common symptom of later stage kidney failure, most notably back pain, headaches, and joint pain. The kidneys are located in the lower back, and when they are not functioning properly, it can cause pain in this area. Additionally, the build-up of toxins in the blood can lead to headaches, and joint pain may result from the swelling that occurs with kidney failure.
Anemia
Anemia is a condition in which there are not enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen to the body’s tissues. This can be a sign of kidney failure, as the kidneys are responsible for producing a hormone that helps to create red blood cells. Anemia can cause fatigue, shortness of breath, and other symptoms.
Nausea & Vomiting
Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms of kidney failure. As the kidneys are not able to remove toxins from the blood properly, they can build up and make people feel nauseated. Vomiting may also occur as the body tries to get rid of these toxins.
Kidney Failure Mental Symptoms
In addition to the physical symptoms of kidney failure, people with the condition may also experience mental symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and difficulty concentrating. These symptoms can be a result of the physical changes that occur with kidney failure, or they may be due to the stress and anxiety of dealing with a chronic illness.
Five Stages of Kidney Disease
There are five stages of kidney disease, with the fifth resulting in kidney failure.
Stage 1
Normal or high GFR (GFR > 90 mL/min)
During this stage, the mildly-damaged kidneys perform as well as they would if they were healthy. In most cases, there are no symptoms associated with stage 1 kidney disease.
Stage 2
Mild CKD (GFR = 60-89 mL/min)
In stage 2 kidney disease, the Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) is lower than normal but above 60 milliliters per minute. This stage is often asymptomatic, and many people do not know they have it. Patients with a stage 2 kidney disease diagnosis can improve their health by increasing their activity levels and adjusting their diets.
Stage 3
At this stage, the kidneys are starting to become damaged and they are not able to filter waste from the blood as effectively. This can cause waste to build up in the blood, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, nausea, and trouble sleeping. A doctor may detect stage 3 kidney disease with a blood or urine test, or through an imaging scan.
There are two levels of stage 3 kidney disease which are differentiated by a patient’s GFR. They include:
3A: Moderate CKD (GFR = 45-59 mL/min)
3B: Moderate CKD (GFR = 30-44 mL/min)
Stage 4
Severe CKD (GFR = 15-29 mL/min)
In stage 4 kidney disease, the kidneys are severely damaged and they are not able to filter waste from the blood properly. Stage 4 kidney failure symptoms include:
- Swelling in the hands and feet
- Lower back pain
- Anemia
- Bone disease
- High blood pressure
Stage 5:
Kidney Failure
End Stage CKD (GFR <15 mL/min)
End-stage kidney disease is the most severe stage of the condition. The kidneys are no longer able to filter waste from the blood, and this can cause toxins to build up in the body. Signs of end stage kidney failure may include symptoms such as fatigue, nausea, trouble sleeping, joint pain, and shortness of breath. If you have stage five kidney failure, you will need to undergo dialysis or have a kidney transplant.
There is no cure for kidney failure, but there are treatments that can help to improve quality of life and extend life expectancy. These include dialysis and kidney transplant. If you have kidney failure, it is important to work with a doctor to develop a treatment plan that is right for you.
Kidney Failure Symptoms
With end stage CKD comes unique symptoms that can indicate the need for treatment like dialysis.
What Are the First Signs of Kidney Failure?
Some of the first symptoms to arise when the kidneys fail are:
Decreased appetite
Muscle cramps
Difficulty sleeping
Labored breathing
Nausea and vomiting
Irregular heartbeat
Fatigue and exhaustion
Kidney Failure Symptoms Skin
As the kidneys are responsible for filtering toxins from the blood, when they are not functioning properly, these toxins can build up in the body and cause a variety of skin changes.
Kidney Failure Skin Color
One common change is a yellowing of the skin, known as jaundice. This is caused by a buildup of bilirubin, a waste product that is normally excreted by the liver. Jaundice can cause the skin and whites of the eyes to turn yellow.
With kidney failure, skin darkening or the development of an unhealthy pallor are also common.
Kidney Failure Itching
Another common symptom of kidney failure is itching. This is caused by a buildup of toxins in the blood, which can lead to an intense feeling of itchiness.
Skin Rash Kidney Failure
Kidney failure can also cause a skin rash. This is usually a red, itchy rash that can be painful. End stage kidney disease may result in inflamed, raised bumps that itch.
Kidney Failure Eyes
Individuals with kidney failure may experience dry, red, itchy eyes. They may also develop conditions such as glaucoma, retinopathy, or cataracts.
Kidney Disease & Other Conditions
There are a number of comorbid conditions that can contribute to the development of kidney disease. These include diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. If you have one of these conditions, it is important to work with a doctor to manage it so that you can reduce your risk of developing kidney disease.
Liver and Kidney Failure
Liver and kidney failure can occur simultaneously especially in cases where an individual has liver cirrhosis. Kidney failure can also overwork the liver, resulting in damage and organ failure.
Heart and Kidney Failure Symptoms
Heart disease and CKD commonly overlap, as having kidney disease makes individuals more prone to developing heart disease. When the kidneys are not able to effectively filter toxins out of your blood, it adds strain on other organs, especially the heart.Â
Heart and kidney failure can cause symptoms like shortness of breath, chest pain, and fatigue.
Diabetes and Kidney Failure
Diabetes is the most common cause of kidney failure. When the body does not produce enough insulin, or when the body does not use insulin properly, it can lead to high blood sugar levels. Individuals with diabetes have a higher risk of developing high blood pressure, as well, which can put additional strain on the kidneys.
Diabetic Kidney Disease Stages
The stages of diabetic kidney disease are identical to CKD stages; the only difference between these conditions is that diabetic kidney disease is specifically caused by diabetes while CKD may be caused by a number of other factors.
Lupus Kidney Failure
Lupus is an autoimmune disease that can cause inflammation and damage to the kidneys. Known as lupus nephritis, lupus antibodies may attack the kidneys, causing inflammation and possibly resulting in symptoms such as:
- Bloody urine
- High blood pressure
- Protein in urine
- Kidney damage
- Kidney failure
Congestive Heart Failure and Kidney Failure
Congestive heart failure is a condition in which the heart is not able to pump blood properly due to a buildup of fluid in the chambers. This buildup of blood in the heart can result in kidney congestion, increasing the risk of developing kidney disease.
Sepsis and Kidney Failure
Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that occurs when an infection spreads through the body. Organ failure commonly accompanies sepsis when left untreated, and sepsis is a leading cause of kidney damage.
Kidney Failure and Anemia
Anemia is a condition in which the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells. Red blood cells are responsible for carrying oxygen to the tissues of the body. When there are not enough red blood cells, it can cause fatigue and weakness. Kidney failure can lead to anemia because the kidneys are responsible for producing erythropoietin, a hormone that stimulates the production of red blood cells.
Kidney Failure After Heart Attack
Kidney failure is a common complication of a heart attack. When the heart is not able to pump blood properly, it can cause a build-up of fluid in the body, which can put excess strain on the kidneys and lead to organ failure.
Multiple Myeloma and Kidney Failure
Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer that affects the plasma cells. Plasma cells are a type of white blood cell that is responsible for producing antibodies. When individuals are diagnosed with multiple myeloma, at least 25% of them also experience some kidney failure, as well.
How to Prevent Kidney Failure
You can prevent kidney failure by managing other health conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease which can increase your risk of developing CKD.
Additionally, avoiding drugs that may damage the kidneys, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and certain antibiotics, can help prevent kidney failure. It is also important to take proactive measures supporting your general health if you want to prevent kidney failure. Good practices include:
Staying hydrated
Exercising regularly
Maintaining a healthy weight
Kidney Failure Treatment
Kidney failure is a serious condition that requires treatment including dialysis, a kidney transplant, or a combination of both.
Dialysis
Dialysis is a treatment that filters the blood and removes waste and excess fluid from the body. Dialysis can be performed at home or in a hospital, and it is typically done three times a week.
When you receive dialysis for kidney failure, you will be connected to a machine that filters your blood. The filtered blood is then returned to your body. Dialysis can help to prolong your life and improve your quality of life.
Kidney Failure Diet
A kidney failure diet is a diet that helps to promote kidney health and prevent kidney disease. Ideally, a diet to support kidney health includes foods that are low in sodium, potassium, and phosphorus, as well as plenty of fluids and fiber.
The kidney failure diet is important because it can help to slow the progression of kidney disease and improve your quality of life. If you have kidney failure, it is important to talk to your doctor about a kidney failure diet that is right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 5 Stages of Kidney Failure
The 5 stages of kidney disease are:
- Stage 1: Normal kidney function with no evidence of damage.
- Stage 2: Minor damage to the kidneys with mild declines in function.
- Stage 3: Moderate damage to the kidneys with significant declines in function.
- Stage 4: Severe damage to the kidneys with complete kidney failure.
- Stage 5: Kidney failure requiring dialysis or transplant.
The symptoms of kidney disease can vary depending on the stage of the disease. In the early stages, there may be no symptoms. As the disease progresses, symptoms may include fatigue, weakness, weight loss, and decreased appetite. In the late stages, symptoms may include anemia, difficulty urinating, and fluid retention.
Kidney disease can be caused by a variety of conditions, including diabetes, hypertension, and glomerulonephritis. Many conditions, like diabetes, can either cause or be caused by kidney disease.
Kidney stones can damage the kidneys and lead to kidney disease if they block urine flow and cause infection. However, getting treatment for kidney stones can usually help prevent the development of kidney failure.
Symptoms of kidney failure may include:
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Weight loss
- Decreased appetite
- Jaundice
- Anemia
- Difficulty urinating
- Fluid retention and swelling
Acute kidney failure is a sudden decline in kidney function. Acute kidney failure can be caused by a variety of conditions, including renal artery stenosis, renal cell carcinoma, and glomerulonephritis.
Kidney disease can develop into kidney failure when the kidneys are no longer able to filter waste and excess fluid from the blood. Kidney failure can be a life-threatening condition, so it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible. Treatment for kidney failure may include dialysis, kidney transplant, or a combination of both.
Dehydration can cause kidney failure when the kidneys are unable to filter waste and excess fluid from the blood. Dehydration can be a life-threatening condition, so it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible. Treatment for dehydration may include intravenous fluids, oral rehydration solutions, or a combination of both.
Diabetes is a leading cause of kidney failure. High blood sugar levels can damage the kidneys and lead to kidney disease. If you have diabetes, it is important to control your blood sugar levels and monitor your kidney function.
The symptoms of diabetic kidney disease are similar to CKD symptoms. Signs of kidney failure include:
- Swelling of the hands and feet
- Frequent urination
- Reduced need for insulin or diabetes medicine
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Persistent itching
Heavy alcohol use can damage the kidneys and lead to kidney disease. Binge drinking can cause acute kidney failure, which is difficult to treat.
A creatinine level of 2.0 or higher indicates kidney failure.
Kidney disease can be hereditary, but in most cases, the cause is not related to genetics. If your family has a history of kidney disease, you may want to monitor your health and kidney function. It is also important to take preventative measures to promote your well-being, such as getting enough physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, and eating a balanced diet.