Are you feeling exhausted all the time or have lost weight, all of a sudden? Are you having trouble sleeping at night and suffering from a constant pain in the back?

If yes, you must not delay and get in touch with your doctor immediately.

The signs you are experiencing indicate you may have Stage 3 kidney disease.

Are you aware of what Stage 3 kidney disease is? Stage 3 kidney disease is a critical condition. It suggests ongoing damage to the kidney.

In this stage, your kidneys have already undergone moderate damage and need adequate management and care to deal with the crisis.

Want to know more about stage 3 kidney disease? Mykare Health is here to help you understand its symptoms and how to manage the condition.

Stage 3 Kidney Disease: What Is It?

Stage 3 kidney disease is connected to the broader classification system which assesses the severity of chronic kidney disease (CKD).

During stage 3 chronic kidney disease, your kidney damage will be moderate.

Once the chronic kidney disease reaches stage 3, it cannot be cured. However, the kidneys will still function.

With this condition, you may or may not show symptoms. But the damage in the kidneys will be evident.

At this stage your kidneys cannot filter waste elements from the blood. They won’t be able to function properly. The waste elements and unwanted fluids will get settled in the kidney, which will result in kidney damage.

Kidneys also help in keeping the balance of electrolytes. But in stage 3 disease, kidney function will reduce. As a result, there will be an imbalance in electrolytes. It causes further complications in the kidneys.

Common Causes of Stage 3 Kidney Disease

Ever wondered what causes Stage 3 kidney disease? Here they are:

• High blood pressure: High blood pressure can be a reason for stage 3 kidney disease. The continuous pressure on blood vessels can affect the kidneys. It can gradually lead to damage.

• Polycystic kidney disease (PKD): It can be a genetic disease. It is caused by the cysts in the kidneys. PKD can progressively weaken the kidney functions.

• Diabetes: People with diabetes can develop kidney disease. Increased blood sugar can lead to the damage in small blood vessels. It can result in stage 3 kidney disease.

• Obstructions: Obstructive diseases such as urinary tract infections can lead to kidney disease. Kidney stones can block urine flow. It can lead to kidney damage.

• Aging: It is also likely that people develop kidney diseases as they age.

Symptoms Of Stage 3 Kidney Disease

Identifying the signs of Stage 3 kidney disease is crucial to begin treatment on time.

• Fatigue and increased blood pressure: Both of these are early symptoms of stage 3 kidney disease. The person may feel constantly tired and blood pressure may elevate as a result of the issue.

• Edema: Edema or swelling due to fluid retention affects the legs, face, or ankles. It indicates that the person is developing stage 3 kidney disease.

• Changes in urination: People with kidney disease may notice color change in their urine. It could be in red, orange, or dark yellow. There might be an increased or decreased frequency of urination.

• Back pain: Unusual pain in the lower back or on the sides could indicate kidney related issues. Some may experience muscle cramps as a result of kidney disease.

• Sleeping issues: If a person has stage 3 kidney disease, they find difficulty in having a proper sleeping pattern. Severe cramps can develop due to kidney issues, which will lead to sleep disturbances. It can even lead to insomnia.

• Sudden weight loss: People may notice a sudden weight loss. It could be a symptom of kidney disease. Loss of appetite can also be a reason.

How To Manage Stage 3 Kidney Disease?

Early detection of stage 3 kidney disease is important. If you notice any of the discussed symptoms, make sure to consult a healthcare professional. Early diagnosis can help in timely treatment and management as well.

Stage 3 kidney disease cannot be cured. However, it can be managed to an extent. There are certain ways in which you can manage stage 3 kidney symptoms. Let’s take a look at some of them.

Medication Management

Your doctor may prescribe you some medications. It will be based on your specific condition. It will help prevent kidney disease from getting worse. Common medications prescribed for stage 3 kidney disease include:

• Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
• Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs)
• Sodium Glucose Transport Protein 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors
• Kerendia or Finerenone

These medications should only be consumed with proper advice. Make sure to inform the doctor if you are taking any other medications. It will help to avoid any side effects. Regular intake of these medications is crucial.

There are also some medications you should avoid. Some of them include:

• ibuprofen
• naproxen
• aspirin
• celecoxib
• meloxicam
• indomethacin
• diclofenac tablets

Regular follow ups are important. Monitoring your kidney function and making proper adjustments to treatment is crucial.

Lifestyle Management

Changes in lifestyle, such as dietary and routine changes can help you manage stage 3 kidney disease.

Consuming food with high-quality protein sources such as meat, fish, and poultry are good for your kidneys. You should limit the intake of dairy products. Avoiding processed foods is also suggested.

Managing blood pressure level and diabetes are also important in managing kidney disease.

Include regular exercise to your daily routine. Walking, jogging, swimming, cycling, all these can help you manage your kidney health. You can seek advice from your doctor or a fitness expert to know more about exercising tips.

Emotional Wellbeing

Living with stage 3 kidney disease can be difficult. It is equally important to look after your emotional and mental wellbeing along with treatment.

You can discuss your concerns and queries with your doctor. You should educate yourself about the condition and its management. Participating in support groups can also help in your emotional health.

Addressing your mental and emotional health is crucial. Medications and lifestyle management combined with a healthy mental state can help you manage kidney disease effectively.