Stage 3 Chronic Kidney Failure (CRF)
Stage 3 Chronic Kidney Failure (CRF) is moderate decline of
kidney function with Glomerular Filtration Rate of 30 to 59ml/min. In
most cases, symptoms of kidney diseases start to become present in this
stage. This is a crucial stage for treatment. Active treatment and
lifestyle changes could help to preserve renal functions and delay the
progress, but in poorly treated or controlled cases, it may deteriorate
into Stage 4 Chronic Kidney Failure.
The symptoms of stage 3 Chronic Kidney Failure may differ from case to case, but generally include the follows:
﹡
Weakness/fatigue: Feeling fatigued is a common
symptom caused by anemia, because the kidneys are not functioning
properly to produce erythropoietin thus causing reduction of red blood
cells.
﹡
High blood pressure: The kidneys play a key role
in regulating blood pressure, and in turn, hypertension can damage the
kidneys. It is common that stage 3 kidney failure patients have high
blood pressure.
﹡
Fluid retention: The kidneys may fail to
discharge unneeded fluid into urine. This can cause swelling in eyelids,
ankles, legs, etc. Too much fluid accumulation can make a person short
of breath.
﹡
Urination changes. Protein loss in urine can
make the urine foamy. If there is blood in urine, people could notice
dark orange, brown, tea colored or red. A person may have reduced or
increased urine output, or visit the toilets more often at night.
﹡
Kidney pains: Most types of kidney diseases don’t
cause kidney pains. But for some special types, such as Polycystic
Kidney Disease (PKD) and infections, people may complain of pains where
the kidneys are.
﹡
Sleep problems: some patients may have difficulty in falling asleep due to such problems as itching, muscle cramps and restless legs.
It is necessary that patients at stage 3 Chronic Kidney Failure see
a nephrologist. The doctor will examine kidney patients and perform lab
tests so that they can gather information to offer the best treatment
advice. The goal is to keep the kidneys function as long as possible.
Because dietary management is so important, patients will be
referred to a registered dietitian who will give a suitable dietary plan
based on the lab tests and individualized illness condition. The
patients will be advised for daily protein intake for 0.8 grams per
kilogram per day. The intake of phosphorus needs to be restricted to
keep healthy range of serum phosphorus and maintain bone health. The
patients at stage 3 Chronic Kidney Failure usually don’t need to
restrict their intake of potassium unless its blood levels is high.
People with Diabetes will need to limit carbohydrates from their diet.
Sodium intake should be limited for management of hypertension and fluid
retention. The patient will also need to avoid over the counter dietary
supplements unless approved by the doctor. Working with a renal
dietitian will be helpful because the diet will change as the illness
condition changes.
People with stage 3 Chronic Kidney Failure will need to adhere
to dietary goals which include the management of blood pressure, blood
glucose, lipids, weight, vitamins, hormones and minerals. The dietary
tips for stage 3 Chronic Kidney Failure mainly include the follows:
Balance the intake of calories. Firstly it is necessary to weigh
yourself and make sure if you are in healthy weight, over weight or
underweight. A proper diet helps to provide additional calories if you
are underweight or avoid extra weight gain if you are overweight. Find
the diet to lose weight if you are overweight, and keep track to see if
any change is needed.
﹡
Fats and cholesterol. It is advised that people
with stage 3 chronic kidney failure replace saturated fats and trans
fats by poly- and monounsaturated fats from vegetable oil, canola oil
and olive oil. High blood cholesterol levels could increase a person’s
risk of cardiovascular diseases.
﹡
Protein supplements. The recommendation for
protein intake in stage 3 Chronic Kidney Failure is the same as healthy
individuals, that is, 0.6 to 0.8g per day. This equals 55g protein for a
person weighing 68kg. While on a low-protein diet, at least half of
proteins should come from high quality animal proteins that contain all
the essential amino acids and produce the least blood urea nitrogen
(BUN), and this includes egg white, milk, fish, lean meat, etc.
﹡
Sodium consumption. Limiting the intake of sodium
and water will help the management of blood pressure for patients with
stage 3 Chronic Kidney Failure. The sodium intake recommendation for
stage 3 CRF is 1,000 to 4,000mg/d based on a person’s blood pressure,
fluid balance and the presence of other diseases that will affect the
sodium requirements. A good level to start in stage 3 kidney failure is
1,500-2,500mg/d or as is prescribed by your doctor.
Many people with Chronic Kidney Failure have high blood pressure
and Diabetes. Management of those two medical conditions will be of help
to at least delay the progression of the kidney condition and make the
kidneys live longer. Stage 3 Chronic Kidney Failure is irreversible, but
by eating right and having the medicines prescribed by doctors
carefully, the patients can expect to keep better kidney health.
There is currently no cure for kidney disease, the
deterioration of the illness condition over a gradual course could make
the patients develop into a more advanced stage. Thereby, the patients
need to note that in addition to daily care management, proper treatment
that helps improve the kidney condition is a wise choice. It will be
advised to visit doctors every 3-6 months, and regularly keep your
condition at check and consult the doctor if there is any need for
improvement of the treatment plan.
