There are 5 stages of chronic kidney disease according to the percentage of remaining working capacity, the most important ones are stage 3 and 4, which indicate a modest to severe restriction of kidney function. End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) is the fifth and most severe stage of CKD.
Top causes of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD):
- Diabetes (40% of cases)
- High blood pressure (20-25% of cases)
- Glomerulonephritis (inflammation of the renal bodies)
- Polycystic kidney diseases
- Renal malformations
- Autoimmune diseases
- Infections
- Obstructive causes
How to recognize kidney disease?
Many renal disease sufferers may not display symptoms until their kidneys are in an advanced stage of failure. Nonetheless, common, albeit unspecific symptoms of late stage kidney disease are the following:
- Tiredness and less energy
- Difficulty concentrating
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Insomnia
- Muscle cramps at night
- Swollen feet and ankles
- Dry and itchy skin
- Puffiness around eyes, especially in the morning
