Stage 3 CKD indicates that your kidneys have mild to moderate damage, as indicated by laboratory results. At this stage, you may begin to notice symptoms of CKD, such as frequent urination and changes in urine colour.
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) refers to permanent kidney damage that develops gradually over time. It is possible to prevent further progression of the disease, depending on the stage it has reached.
CKD is classified into five stages; Stage 5 indicates end-stage renal disease.
Stage 3 CKD falls in the middle of the spectrum. At this stage, the kidneys show mild to moderate damage.
A physician diagnoses stage 3 CKD based on both your symptoms and laboratory results. While it is not possible to reverse kidney damage, you can help prevent further damage at this stage.
Stages 3a vs. 3b
Stage 3 Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is diagnosed based on an projected glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) reading. This involves a blood test that measures creatinine levels. The eGFR test is used to determine how well your kidneys are filtering waste products.
An optimal eGFR is above 90. Stage 5 CKD is characterised by an eGFR below 15. The higher your eGFR, the better your valued kidney function.
Stage 3 CKD comprises two subtypes based on eGFR readings:
- Stage 3a: This phase indicates an eGFR between 45 and 59.
- Stage 3b: This period indicates an eGFR between 30 and 44.
The goal in Stage 3 CKD is to prevent further loss of kidney function. In clinical terms, this could mean a decline in eGFR to values between 29 and 15, indicating Stage 4 CKD.
Symptoms of Stage 3 Kidney Disease
You may not sign symptoms of CKD in stages 1 and 2, but signs begin to become more evident in stage 3.
Some symptoms of stage 3 CKD may include:
- dark yellow, orange, or red urine
- making more or less frequently than usual
- oedema (fluid retention)
- unexplained fatigue
- weakness and other symptoms similar to those of anaemia
- insomnia and other sleep problems
- lower back pain
- elevated blood pressure
When to get a doctor with stage 3 kidney disease
It is important to consult a healthcare professional immediately if you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above. While some symptoms are not exclusive to CKD, the presence of any mixture of these symptoms warrants a consultation with your doctor.
You should also schedule a check-up with your doctor if you have previously been diagnosed with stage 1 or 2 CKD.
However, it is possible to have no prior history of CKD before receiving a diagnosis of stage 3. This may be because stages 1 and 2 typically do not cause noticeable symptoms.
To diagnose stage 3 CKD, your doctor will perform the following tests:
- blood pressure measurements
- urinalysis
- blood tests to help calculate the estimated GFR (eGFR)
- imaging tests to detect more advanced CKD
Treatment for Stage 3 Kidney Disease
CKD is incurable; however, Stage 3 means that you still have the opportunity to prevent further progression of kidney failure. Treatment and lifestyle changes are crucial at this stage. Your doctor will discuss with you the implementation of a combination of the following therapeutic measures.
Diet for Stage 3 Kidney Disease
Since your kidneys are responsible for eliminating waste products and maintaining electrolyte balance, excessive consumption of certain foods can place an additional burden on them.
Aim to prioritise whole foods—such as fruits, vegetables, and grains—over processed products, which can be more difficult for your kidneys to process.
Your healthcare team may recommend reducing your protein intake. If your potassium levels are elevated, they may also advise you to avoid certain foods rich in this mineral, such as bananas, potatoes, and tomatoes.
The same principle applies to sodium. You may be advised to reduce your consumption of salty foods if your sodium levels are excessively high.
Weight loss is a common occurrence in the more advanced stages of CKD due to a lack of appetite. This situation can also put you at risk of malnutrition.
If you experience a loss of appetite, consider eating lesser, more frequent meals throughout the day to ensure you are getting a sufficient amount of calories and nutrients.
Learn more about the greatest foods to eat when you have CKD.
Medical Treatment
Period 3 chronic kidney disease (CKD) is typically treated with medications.
You may be prescribed certain drugs to help manage underlying conditions that could be affecting your kidneys. These comprise:
- Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors for in height blood pressure
- Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) for in height blood pressure
- glucose-controlling medications for diabetes
If you consume type 2 diabetes, you may also be set Kerendia (finerenone), a medication that can reduce your risk of:
- a decline in estimated GFR (eGFR)
- end-stage renal disease (ESRD)
- cardiovascular problems, including heart attacks
Your doctor may also recommend medications to help alleviate the side belongings of CKD. These may include:
- Iron supplements for anaemia
- calcium or vitamin D supplements to prevent bone fractures
- cholesterol-lowering medications
- diuretics to treat oedema
Living with stage 3 kidney disease
In addition to making some nutritional changes, other habits can also help manage Stage 3 Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), including:
- Aim for at least 30 minutes of reasonable activity most days of the week. A healthcare professional can help you safely start an exercise program.
- Blood pressure control. High blood pressure can be a sign of CKD and can worsen your condition. Strive to maintain a blood pressure of 130/80 or lower.
- Stress management. Strategies include prioritising quality sleep, practising mindfulness, and setting aside time for relaxation.
- Quitting smoking. Consult a doctor regarding the most suitable methods for you to quit tobacco.
Can Stage 3 Kidney Disease Be Reversed?
The goal of treatment for Stage 3 CKD (chronic kidney disease) is to prevent further progression. There is no cure for any stage of CKD, and it is not possible to reverse kidney damage.
However, if you are in Stage 3, it is still possible to minimise additional damage. Preventing progression becomes more difficult in Stages 4 and 5.
Life Expectancy with Stage 3 Kidney Disease
When diagnosed and achieved early, Stage 3 CKD is related with a longer life expectancy than more advanced stages of kidney disease. Estimates vary depending on factors such as lifestyle habits and the patient’s age at diagnosis.
Most current data regarding life expectancy with Stage 3 CKD is based on older research.
A 2012 study suggests that a 40-year-old person with Stage 3a CKD has an regular life expectancy of 24.5 years, while a being of the equal age with Stage 3b CKD has an average life expectancy of 14.5 years. Life expectation decreases as age at diagnosis increases.
In addition to overall life expectancy, it is important to consider the risk of disease progression. Another study from 2012 involved 347 people with Stage 3 CKD. During the 10-year study period, nearly half of those participants progressed to Stage 4 or 5, which is associated with a shorter life expectancy.
It is important to note that this data regarding life expectancy and disease progression is more than a decade old. The authors of a 2017 study on estimating life expectancy with CKD noted that, while better models currently exist for predicting life expectancy, the lack of recent data makes it difficult to provide exact figures. Likewise, it is possible to experience complications stemming from CKD—such as heart disease—which can affect the patient’s overall life expectancy.
Conclusion
Stage 3 chronic kidney disease (CKD) is often diagnosed for the first time when a person begins to experience symptoms of the condition.
Although Stage 3 CKD is incurable, an early diagnosis can mean halting its progression. It can also entail a lower risk of complications, such as heart disease, anaemia, and bone fractures.
Having Stage 3 CKD does not mean that your disorder will automatically progress to kidney failure. By working with a doctor and creation lifestyle changes, it is possible to prevent kidney disease from worsening.