Maintaining good health is what everyone should aim for. The removal of toxins from the body contributes to a healthy life. Kidneys are responsible for discharging built-up waste materials and toxins from the body.
However, certain conditions prevent the organ from performing toxin removal at the normal pace. As more waste accumulates in the body, it can lead to kidney disease, also known as chronic kidney disease.
Also known as CKD, it is a condition where the kidney function gradually declines. Eye puffiness, fatigue, nausea, and extreme weight loss are some of the symptoms of the health condition. In some patients, CKD becomes so severe that it leads to kidney or renal failure.
Chronic kidney disease occurs in 5 stages. Usually, in stage 4, the kidneys experience severe damage, and that can lead to heart disease as well.
Patients who have stage 4 kidney disease go through intense emotional turmoil. However, they should remember that the kidneys are still functioning and they have not yet qualified for organ failure.
Nevertheless, it is also true that it takes only a span of years for stage 4 kidney disease to reach stage 5. Effective treatments like kidney dialysis and even a renal transplant can prevent CKD from reaching the advanced stages.
To understand the severity of the condition, it is important to know the symptoms of stage 4 kidney disease.
This blog will inform you about the symptoms of stage four kidney disease. Also, it will help you understand the risks associated with the condition.
Overview of Stage 4 Chronic Kidney Disease
Kidney disease is a chronic condition that typically evolves in 5 stages, depending on the kidney function. Additionally, the stage also progresses if there are signs of blood or protein in the urine.
The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) determines the different stages of chronic kidney disease. When the GFR is as low as 15 or as high as 29, it signifies severe kidney damage. That’s what stage 4 CKD does.
What is stage four kidney disease? Stage 4 CKD or kidney disease indicates that your kidneys are in a severe condition. At the 4th stage, you can experience that the kidney function is slowing down. And that results in fluid and toxin buildup in the body.
Stage 4 chronic kidney disease is severe, and it requires regular monitoring of the kidney function. Also, checking the albumin levels in the urine is important for anyone suffering from stage 4 kidney disease.
To measure the albumin levels in the urine, uACR (urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio) tests are conducted. With these tests, kidney care specialists can determine whether the organ is filtering toxins and waste correctly.
Higher uACR levels in the body signify a risk for kidney damage. Additionally, it leads to complications in your blood pressure levels, which can cause complex heart diseases.
At such a severe stage, proper diet and treatment can keep you going for a long time. Effective nutrition counseling and advanced treatments like renal dialysis are essential to prevent the kidneys from failing.
What Are The Types Of Kidney Diseases?
There are many types of kidney diseases. Each disease has a distinct cause and effect on the body. Some kidney diseases are genetic, which means they run in families. However, there are autoimmune conditions that can trigger other kidney diseases.
The following are the different types of kidney diseases:
- Alport Syndrome:
It is a genetic kidney disease that affects the ears. People suffering from such a kidney disease may experience hearing loss in one or both ears. - aHUS (atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome):
A rare genetic condition that leads to the formation of tiny clots in the blood vessels. It thus blocks natural blood flow to various organs. It is a kind of kidney disease that can lead to serious conditions, including kidney failure and serious heart diseases. - Amyloidosis:
It is a condition characterized by protein buildup in different tissues and organs. And that leads to affecting the kidneys, liver, brain, and intestines. Amyloidosis takes place in two forms in the kidneys: primary amyloidosis and dialysis-related amyloidosis. The reason for primary amyloidosis is unknown. When the kidney fails to function properly, dialysis-related amyloidosis takes place. It is in the level 4 kidney disease that the removal of waste and toxic buildup starts deteriorating and poses a threat. - Cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome:
Primarily connected to kidney disease, it also has a link with type 2 diabetes, obesity, and heart disease. The syndrome takes place when someone has at least two of these conditions. - APOL1-Mediated Kidney Disease:
The condition causes genetic mutations in copies of the APOL1 gene. And that triggers the chances of kidney diseases, known as the APOL1-Mediated Kidney Disease. - Cystinosis:
A rare condition characterized by the buildup of chemicals in the body. The excessive chemical buildup increases the chances of kidney damage. It is a condition that mostly occurs in young babies.
Causes Of Stage 4 Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
Stage 4 chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a severe condition that progressively damages the kidneys. The primary causes of CKD include high blood pressure and diabetes. At this stage, the patients must undergo thorough treatment.
To better understand the treatments, let’s elaborate on the causes of stage 4 chronic kidney disease:
1. High Blood Pressure
Also known as hypertension, high blood pressure is a prevalent cause of chronic kidney disease. It constricts the arteries and veins of the kidneys, preventing them from filtering out toxins from the body. As the kidneys cannot filter out the toxins, the accumulation of such harmful substances occurs in the blood vessels.
It thus increases blood pressure. Consistent high blood pressure can trigger the symptoms of stage 4 kidney failure. Having blood pressure readings of 140/90 mmHg or higher will indicate poor kidney functioning.
2. Diabetes
Diabetes is a condition that increases blood sugar levels in the body. As a result, your body cannot produce the insulin hormone that is responsible for taking glucose from the bloodstream. The deficit of insulin causes glucose to remain in the blood.
That leads to potential damage to blood vessels and organs as the glucose circulates throughout the body. The damage also affects the kidneys’ ability to function properly, which leads to renal failure. When a person has Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels above 6.5%, it can lead to advanced kidney disease.
3. Infections
Infections can also be a significant cause of stage 4 CKD symptoms. A urinary tract infection (UTI) is one such infection that can result in deteriorating kidney functioning. UTI in the bladder can move upwards to the kidneys, causing pyelonephritis.
Recurring UTI can scar the kidneys, leading to worsening kidney function. The infection can also lead to permanent kidney damage.
Symptoms of Stage 4 Kidney Disease
What are the symptoms of stage 4 kidney disease? Well, there can be scenarios where people don’t show signs of kidney disease in the initial stage. However, even when you feel fine, CKD can cause damage. As the disease progresses to advanced stages, it poses significant life risks.
The symptoms of stage 4 CKD are as follows:
1. Frequent urination:
At Stage 4 kidney disease, the kidneys can no longer filter fluids and toxic substances. The accumulation of fluids in the body leads to frequent urination.
2. Loss of appetite:
One of the common symptoms of stage 4 kidney disease is loss of appetite. The waste and toxin buildup in the blood disrupts the metabolism. And that leads to loss of appetite.
3. Nausea and vomiting:
Stage 4 CKD leads to the buildup of toxins, causing uremia. Since filtration of waste is not taking place in the body, it causes a tendency to nausea and vomiting in people. At an advanced stage of kidney disease, the sign is frequent.
4. Insomnia:
When CKD reaches level 4, people may experience trouble sleeping. The accumulation of waste products in the body disrupts the brain’s functioning and sleep cycle. And that causes insomnia in people.
5. Dry and itchy skin:
It’s a common symptom of CKD stage 4. The mineral imbalance that takes place due to the decline in kidney function causes dry and itchy skin.
6. Mental fog:
A mineral imbalance that occurs in stage 4 CKD decreases the red blood cell count in the body. And that leads to anemia. Since there’s a decrease in blood flow throughout the body, it disrupts brain functioning, causing mental fog.
7. Bone disease:
The waste buildup in the body reduces mineral density, leading to bone weakness. Additionally, the kidneys fail to maintain balance in phosphate, calcium, Vitamin D, and parathyroid hormone. That leads to bone disease.
Health Risks With Stage 4 CKD
People with advanced kidney disease may wonder how serious stage 4 kidney disease is. Well, then, they are at the highest risk of kidney failure. At level four of CKD, there’s also a high risk of developing heart disease.
When the uACR level is 30 or above in a person, there’s a chance of developing both risks of renal failure and heart disease. To lower the health risks, it is important to lower the uACR number.
With stage 4 chronic kidney disease, the health risks are as follows:
1. Severe kidney damage:
Stage 4 CKD can cause severe kidney damage that leads to renal failure (if not treated). With a urine test, doctors can analyze your kidney function. If there’s a sign of protein or blood in the urine, it means that the kidneys are progressing to a failure stage.
2. Anemia:
Another complication with stage 4 CKD is anemia. It is a condition where the production of red blood cells in the body decreases. The hemoglobin levels in your body measure the protein that is present within the red blood cells. Having stage 4 CKD can impact the hemoglobin levels that lead to anemia.
3. Metabolic acidosis:
Stage 4 CKD builds up acid in the blood. And that leads to metabolic acidosis. High dietary acid loads can trigger metabolic acidosis in the kidneys, which leads to severe damage.
4. Cardio-vascular damage:
Hardening of arteries and aging of blood vessels are the heart-related signs to check for. CKD at an advanced stage, in this case, stage 4, can impact your cardiovascular system. And that can lead to severe heart disease.
5. Hyperkalemia:
Stage 4 kidney disease increases the potassium levels in the body. The normal levels are in the range 3.5 mmol/L and 5.0 or 5.2 mmol/L. It becomes a risk factor when the potassium levels go beyond 5. mmol/L.
What Types Of Lifestyle Changes Are Important?
Reversing stage IV kidney disease symptoms back to normal is difficult to achieve. However, making certain lifestyle changes can help you slow down the worsening of the condition.
Here are certain lifestyle changes that you can follow to delay potential renal failure:
1. Regular exercise:
Although it may seem challenging to exercise initially, even a small change in your lifestyle can help you manage the effects. Walking is a good form of exercise. The muscle movements would ensure regular blood circulation, which can benefit your overall health. Begin with a 15-minute walk, then gradually increase the time to 30 minutes.
2. Weight management:
Being overweight can cause high blood pressure, which can push your CKD to stage 4. It is therefore essential to follow weight management tips. With a kidney-friendly diet and by staying active, you can manage your weight. The diet will incorporate lean protein sources, low sodium, and limited fluid intake.
3. Manage your blood sugar levels:
High blood sugar levels lead to stage 4 CKD. The stage is severe, and getting back to your normal self may seem challenging. However, with regular blood sugar monitoring, you can keep the levels in check.
4. Blood pressure management:
Stage 4 chronic kidney disease has the highest risk of renal failure. Managing blood pressure thus becomes imperative in this stage. After thorough blood pressure monitoring, doctors can provide medicines like ACE inhibitors and ARBs.
5. Quit Smoking:
Smoking can significantly accelerate kidney damage. Stage 4 CKD is at the highest risk of renal failure. Using nicotine patches or medications, you can control or even prevent your smoking habits.
How Long Can You Live With Stage 4 Kidney Disease?
There’s no straightforward answer to the life expectancy with stage 4 kidney disease. The situation varies from one person to another.
Different factors weigh in when it comes to the life expectancy with stage 4 CKD:
- Your age
- The duration since you were diagnosed with CKD
- Signs of protein in the urine or the albuminuria stage
- How well do you follow the treatment plan
- Other health disorders/conditions
Treatment Of Stage 4 Kidney Disease
There is no complete cure for stage 4 kidney disease. However, with effective treatment, you can manage the symptoms of stage 4 kidney disease. Additionally, you can extend your life expectancy slightly by slowing the progression of kidney failure.
The treatments of the disease combine different procedures and medications:
1. Dialysis
Doctors often recommend people with Stage 4 CKD for dialysis, depending on their condition. It is the process that filters out waste products and excess fluids from the bloodstream. Basically, dialysis is the function that the kidneys cannot perform at stage 4.
Since stage 4 is an advanced level for CKD, it leads to renal failure. To slow down the progression of organ failure, dialysis is an ideal treatment plan.
2. Kidney Transplant
Kidney transplant is not an immediate treatment plan for patients with Stage 4 CKD. Doctors recommend it only when the chance of potential renal failure increases. However, the procedure can improve the quality of life and increase the life expectancy of individuals who are fighting the end-stage.
It is important to understand that a kidney transplant is a complex process. Doctors will properly evaluate your condition and conduct various tests to continue with the process.
3. Medications
There are various medications healthcare providers can prescribe to reduce the symptoms of stage 4 kidney disease. As a result, it delays the chances of renal failure:
- Diuretics: To eliminate extra fluids from the body.
- Phosphate binders: These remove excess phosphorus from the blood.
- Erythropoietin-stimulating agents help increase the red blood cell count.
- Statins: To reduce cholesterol levels.
One Health Medical Group: Your Reliable Partner to Manage Your Stage 4 CKD Symptoms
Stage 4 kidney disease is a serious health condition. But it doesn’t mean you cannot do anything about it. Even at the advanced stages, you can improve the quality of your life. Simply understand the symptoms of stage 4 kidney disease and seek a holistic treatment plan.
At OneHealth Medical Group, we provide comprehensive care to our patients suffering from CKD. We understand the disease has different effects for everyone. Hence, we use advanced tools to evaluate patients’ conditions.
With our hi-tech tools, we conduct a myriad of tests before suggesting a treatment plan. Our kidney care specialists also suggest various lifestyle changes that would improve your quality of life. We understand that the advanced stages require different procedures. So, our dialysis center is here to take care of your needs.
Apart from comprehensive CKD care, we also provide nutritional counseling, diabetes treatment, telemedicine services, and other related medical services.
Discover our holistic care for CKD patients and improve your quality of life.