Can You Live With Stage I Kidney Disease?

If a patient with stage I chronic kidney disease (CKD) has a glomerular filtration rate of 90 mL/min/1.73 m² or greater with little or no physical signs, their kidney function is normal. 

Because the kidneys are still functioning normally at this point, most people are unaware that they have stage I CKD.

Some patients may have other indicators of renal impairment such as loss of protein in the urine (proteinuria), which is usually diagnosed through routine urine examination.

Stage I kidney disease usually does not present with any symptoms, and most diagnoses are made during a routine blood check.

However, some of the following signs may help diagnose advanced kidney disease:

• Swelling of legs and face due to accumulation of fluid
• Increase in blood pressure
• Urinary tract infections
• Presence of proteins (albumin) in the urine

Stage I kidney disease usually does not present with any symptoms and gradually processes into renal failure.

Kidney diseases are the leading cause of death in the United States. Therefore, it is important to eliminate or manage the risk factors that cause kidney disease.

The following are risk factors for kidney disease:

• Diabetes: high blood glucose levels
• Hypertension: high blood pressure
• Obesity
• Heart diseases
• Abnormal kidney structure 
• Age over 60 years
• A long history of using painkillers
• Family history of chronic kidney disease
• Polycystic kidney disease
• Recurrent kidney stones

Patients with Stage I kidney disease do not have any signs of kidney damage despite the organ's reduction in functional ability. 

Usually, a diagnosis of kidney damage is made while examining for other disorders, such as diabetes and hypertension, or a routine blood check.

So, patients with risk factors of developing kidney disease are advised to get an assessment of their general health and undergo the following tests:

Blood tests

Blood workup shows the presence of certain chemicals or toxins in the blood, which are usually eliminated by the kidneys through urine:

• High levels of creatinine 
• High levels of urea 

Glomerular filtration rate

The glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is used to assess kidney function. Knowing the GFR helps your doctor to determine the stage of kidney disease. 

GFR score (eGFR) is based on your age, serum creatinine level, and gender. The National Kidney Foundation recommends using the CKD-EPI Creatinine Equation (2021) to estimate GFR.

Urinalysis

The presence of proteins (albumin) in the urine may indicate kidney disease

Radiological tests

Other radiological tests are done to determine the shape, structure, and functionality of the kidneys:

• Ultrasound studies
• Computer tomography images
• Magnetic resonance imaging

If you are diagnosed with kidney disease, collaborate with your doctor to protect and preserve your kidneys' health.

Here are some tips to protect your kidneys from further damage:

• Consult your doctor on regular basis to get medical assistance for any odd or unexplained health issues
• Get treated for underlying causes such as diabetes and hypertension 
• Take any prescribed drugs exactly as directed, and consult your doctor before using any over-the-counter medications
• Avoid indiscriminate use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
• Monitor your glomerular filtration rate to keep in check with your kidneys' condition
• Make healthy lifestyle choices, such as 
  • Stop smoking.
  • Increase physical activity and regular exercise.
  • Eat healthily and get help from a dietitian to modify your eating habits.
  • Reduce stress. 
  • Maintain proper and adequate sleep. 
  • Hydration