Prevalence of Kidney Disease

PREVALENCE

Did you know that 1 in every 3 Americans is at risk for developing chronic kidney disease in their lifetime? As of today, 37 million Americans live with chronic kidney disease and 660,000 have kidney/renal failure. Once someone enters the end stage of kidney disease (ie. their kidneys have failed and cannot function on their own), he or she either needs a kidney transplant or to start dialysis indefinitely or while waiting for a transplant. Currently, 100,000 people are awaiting a kidney transplant.

WHAT ARE THE STAGES OF KIDNEY DISEASE?

The 5 stages of kidney disease are determined by the percentage the kidney still works to filter toxins and fluid out of the blood:

(eGFR = filtration rate)

·       Stage 1 = eGFR of 90 or greater, showing some signs of kidney damage and not having optimal filtration.

·       Stage 2 = eGFR of 60-89, showing some signs of kidney damage and less efficient filtration. There may be protein detected in the urine.

·       Stage 3 = eGFR of 30-59, kidneys show some damage and there may be some symptoms such as swelling of the hands or feet, back pain, urinating less or more than normal. Other health issues that are related to this stage of kidney disease might include high blood pressure, anemia, and bone disease.

·       Stage 4 = eGFR of 15-29, kidney show more damage, same symptoms and complications possible as seen in stage 3.

·       Stage 5 = eGFR below 15 = END STAGE RENAL/ KIDNEY DISEASE, kidneys are close to or have completely failed. Toxins build up in the blood and can cause itching, muscle cramps, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, swelling in hands and feet, back pain, urinating more or less than normal, trouble breathing, and trouble sleeping.

(Kidney.org, https://www.emedicinehealth.com/)

kidney, renal, kidney disease, kidney health