Introduction
Chronic kidney disease, or CKD for short, is the gradual deterioration of the kidneys. This illness differs from others since the damage is permanent and worsens in five stages.
In stage 1, the kidneys have suffered the least damage. In stage 5, renal failure has already set in. If you have stage 2 chronic kidney disease (CKD), your kidneys are harmed, but not severely. Even though damage cannot be reversed at any point, stage 2 chronic renal disease can still be slowed or stopped from progressing.
This article presents all the important information about stage 2 chronic kidney disease. Continue reading to learn more about chronic kidney disease stage 2. By reading the associated information, you may have an idea about this stage of kidney disease and what you can do immediately to prevent your condition from worsening.
Stage 2 Chronic Kidney Disease
Let’s explore various aspects of stage 2 CKD in detail. The article covers the disease’s symptoms, causes, treatment, and management.
What Is Stage 2 Chronic Kidney Disease?
A person with stage 2 CKD has a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) ranging from 60 to 89 ml/min. It indicates that the individual’s kidneys have been damaged. Most of the time, there are no significant indicators that the kidneys have been injured. Even after a certain percentage of kidney function has been lost, most people will be unaware they have chronic kidney disease stage 2 because their kidneys continue to operate normally. People typically discover stage 2 kidney disease while being evaluated for something else, such as diabetes or hypertension, the two most frequent causes of kidney disease.
If you are in chronic kidney disease stage 2, it is crucial to monitor your health and implement lifestyle modifications that will help you delay the course of CKD and keep your kidneys functioning for a longer time.
Symptoms of Stage 2 Chronic Kidney Disease
CKD produces a gradual decline in kidney function over time. People with chronic kidney disease stage 2 are frequently unaware of their condition unless examined. It is because even if their kidneys are not functioning 100%, they can still function adequately.
The symptoms may worsen with the disease progression when the kidneys can no longer perform their regular functions. It leads to allowing waste to accumulate in the body.
The possible symptoms of the disease include:
- Urinary tract infections (UTI)
- Swelling in legs (fluid retention)
- High blood pressure
- Protein in the urine (Abnormal urine test)
- High creatinine level
- Darker urine
In its early stages, kidney disease can induce side effects such as protein in the urine and a higher amount of creatinine in the blood and urine, even in the absence of symptoms. If you exhibit these symptoms, your kidneys are not operating properly. The goal of treatment is to decrease the damage that accumulates over time. It helps to delay kidney failure and preserve as much of your health as possible.
Diagnosis of Stage 2 Chronic Kidney Disease
A doctor will order an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) blood test to determine whether a patient has chronic kidney disease stage 2. This test measures the amount of amino acid creatine in your blood, indicating whether your kidneys are functioning properly.
If your creatinine level is higher than it should be, your kidneys are not functioning properly.
In stage 1 of chronic kidney disease (CKD), when only mild renal impairment is present, EGFR values greater than 90 are observed. A value of below 15 is indicative of the kidneys that begin to fail. Following stage 2, your eGFR will range between 60 and 89.
Regardless of the severity of your kidney disease, the goal is to improve kidney function and prevent further decline.
Regular eGFR tests could help the doctor determine whether or not your treatment approach is effective. If you reached stage 3, your eGFR would vary between 30 and 59.
Causes and Risk Factors
Kidney disease is caused by a combination of factors that, in the long run, make the kidneys less effective and harm them. When the vital organs fail to function properly, they cannot filter waste from the blood and produce adequate urine.
In its early stages, CKD is difficult to diagnose since there is little damage to detect. When there is a significant kidney function decline or risk of injury, stage 1 might progress to stage 2.
The following risk factors are associated with stage 2 CKD:
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Cardiovascular or heart disease
- Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
- Kidney stones history
- Cysts or tumors in kidneys
- Frequent UTIs (infections of the urinary tract)
- Poor diet (rich in fats and sugar)
- Abnormally high protein intake
Treatment and Management
There is no complete cure for stage 2 CKD; however, it can be managed with interventions like medications and lifestyle modifications. The intervention’s goals include:
- Slowing the disease progression
- Delaying renal or kidney failure
- Keeping them as healthy as possible
Different approaches for stage 2 CKD treatment and management are discussed below:
Dietary Modifications
The diet of an individual significantly affects the health of the kidney. Taking a kidney-friendly diet to protect kidneys and manage blood glucose and pressure is important. Some important dietary considerations include:
- Consuming lean proteins,
- Eating fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
- Adding healthy fats like nuts, seeds, and olive oil to the diet
- Avoiding excess sugar and salt
- Staying hydrated
Lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle controls blood sugar levels and maintains a healthy weight. These are important for kidney health. Behaviors related to a healthy lifestyle include:
Regular physical activity
- No smoking
- No alcohol consumption
Medications
Although medication is not required for stage 2 CKD, it is crucial to consult with the healthcare provider. Provider decides the medicine based on the severity of the health issue.
Numerous factors affect the life expectancy of the patient with stage 2 CKD. These include overall health status, age, co-occurring or comorbid conditions, and lifestyle behavior. However, with proper treatment and management, life expectancy can be extended depending on the patient’s overall health.
Conclusion
Even though stage 2 chronic kidney disease is an early stage with modest, it is essential to treat and manage your health. These steps include modifying your food and way of living and addressing any underlying health issues that may aggravate your kidney disease.
While kidney illness cannot be cured, it can be effectively treated and managed. Since the symptoms might appear differently at different stages of chronic renal disease, it is crucial to consult with the physician.
Our experts at HG Analytics are highly skilled and committed to providing compassionate, superior, and comprehensive care. Consult with the specialists at HG Analytics for a full spectrum of services encompassing diagnosis, education, treatment, and prevention. Our medical team can devise a treatment plan to reduce the advancement of your condition and delay kidney failure for as long as possible, giving you more healthy time.
