Kidney disease refers to damage to the kidneys. They are unable to filter blood properly. The damage usually happens gradually over time. Factors that increase the likelihood of kidney disease include diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, infection, family history of kidney disease, and certain medications. A doctor can advise on preventive measures and treatments that can help slow the progression of the condition.
What is the life expectancy of someone with kidney disease?
The life expectancy of a person with kidney disease can vary depending on how quickly the condition progresses. Once it reaches end stage renal disease, when around 10% to 15% of kidney function remains, a person may require dialysis. The average life expectancy for a person receiving dialysis is 10 to 15 years, according to the National Kidney Foundation.
What are the stages of kidney disease?
Staging for kidney disease is part of classifying the condition with CGA staging. CGA staging involves determining the cause, identifying the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) stage, and measuring how much albumin is present. Stages are defined by the level of eGFR in a person's blood and the extent of kidney damage, which doctors can determine by measuring urine albumin-creatinine ratio (uACR) levels with a urine test. Stage 1 kidney disease refers to eGFR 90 or higher (G1) and kidney damage for at least 3 months. Doctors diagnose stage 5 kidney disease if eGFR is under 15 (G5) or if a person is on dialysis. Stage 5 refers to kidney failure. In addition to eGFR staging, a doctor will also need to assign an albuminuria category, which can range from normal to severely increased level so albumin. Determining the cause of kidney disease is also necessary at this time, but in some cases the exact cause may not always be clear.
What are the early signs of kidney disease?
In the early stages, kidney disease does not always cause symptoms. This is because the kidneys are still working, just not as well as before. As it starts to progress, a person may notice swelling, or edema. It usually affects the ankles, feet, and legs, but it may also occur in the hands or face.
