Chronic kidney disease, or CKD, is a long-term condition where the kidneys slowly lose their ability to work properly. The kidneys have many important jobs, including removing waste from the blood, balancing fluids, and helping control blood pressure.
When they stop working as well as they should, it can affect many parts of the body. CKD usually develops over many years, and doctors have divided it into five stages to help track how serious it is.
The stages are based on something called eGFR, which stands for estimated glomerular filtration rate. This number tells us how well the kidneys are filtering waste from the blood. A higher number means better kidney function. Normal eGFR is about 90 or more. As the number drops, it means kidney function is getting worse.
In Stage 1, the kidneys are still working pretty well, with an eGFR of 90 or higher. At this stage, there may be no symptoms at all, but tests might show signs of kidney damage, like protein in the urine. People with Stage 1 CKD can often keep their kidneys healthy for a long time by controlling blood pressure, avoiding smoking, and eating a kidney-friendly diet.
Stage 2 means a mild drop in kidney function, with eGFR between 60 and 89. Like Stage 1, people may not notice any symptoms, but the damage is starting. At this stage, doctors often recommend regular monitoring and lifestyle changes to help slow the disease’s progress.
Studies have shown that managing conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure during the early stages of CKD can make a big difference in long-term outcomes.
In Stage 3, kidney function has dropped to a moderate level, with eGFR between 30 and 59. This stage is often divided into 3a (eGFR 45–59) and 3b (eGFR 30–44). People may begin to feel more tired, notice swelling in their legs or hands, or have changes in urination. Blood tests may also show that waste is building up in the body.
This is an important stage because it’s when many people find out they have kidney disease. Treatment might include medications, diet changes, and working with a kidney specialist.
Stage 4 is a severe drop in kidney function, with eGFR between 15 and 29. At this point, the kidneys are struggling to keep up, and symptoms become more noticeable. People may experience fatigue, trouble concentrating, nausea, and swelling. Doctors begin preparing for the possibility of kidney failure, including talking about dialysis or a kidney transplant.
Stage 5 is kidney failure, also known as end-stage renal disease (ESRD). The eGFR is below 15, and the kidneys can no longer do their job well enough to keep the person healthy. At this stage, treatment options include dialysis or a kidney transplant. Without treatment, life-threatening complications can happen.
Research from the National Kidney Foundation and other health groups shows that early detection and treatment can slow or even stop the progression of CKD in many people. That’s why regular checkups, especially for people with risk factors like diabetes or high blood pressure, are so important.
In short, chronic kidney disease is a serious but manageable condition. Understanding the stages helps people take action early and work with their doctors to protect their kidney health for as long as possible.
If you care about kidney health, please read studies about how to protect your kidneys from diabetes, and drinking coffee could help reduce risk of kidney injury.
For more information about kidney health, please see recent studies about foods that may prevent recurrence of kidney stones, and eating nuts linked to lower risk of chronic kidney disease and death.
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