There arefive stages of kidney disease, with each stage referring to the level of your kidney functioning.
It is also the last stage beforekidney failure.
Symptoms
By this point, many people living with stage 4 kidney disease will have notable symptoms.
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This is because the kidneys are significantly impaired and cannot function properly, leading to worsening of symptoms.
Side Effects
Complications due to low kidney function often occur at stage 4.
Regular visits to yournephrologist(kidney specialist) are an important part of monitoring.
This can include diet and lifestyle, as explained below, but also medication, if appropriate.
Other steps for a healthy diet can include limiting dietaryphosphorusandpotassium.
Ask your nephrologist for suggestions for local nutritionists that can help you.
It can range from a little more than a year to more than 15 years.
There is no specific time frame, as this can vary widely among individuals and their circumstances.
Summary
Kidney disease has five stages, with stage 5 being kidney failure.
Stage 4 shows up when the kidneys are significantly damaged.
Complications from kidney disease are not uncommon, such as anemia or bone disease.
Monitoring, medication management, and dietary and lifestyle changes can help.
A Word From Verywell
Although kidney disease is not curable, it is treatable.
Talk with your healthcare provider about steps it’s possible for you to take to improve your health.
The overall goal is to delay kidney failure for as long as possible.
you might still live a long life with treatment and management of kidney disease.
Life expectancy for someone with stage 4 kidney disease can vary among individuals.
Life expectancy can range from about a year to 15 years or more.
Those who have more heart disease complications are at increased risk.
Kidney failure itself is not painful.
In stage 4 kidney disease, you may have back pain due to blockage or infection.
Pain depends on what complications the kidney failure is causing in your body.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.What is chronic kidney disease?.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Causes of chronic kidney disease.
American Kidney Fund.Stages of kidney disease.
National Kidney Foundation.10 signs you may have kidney disease.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Slow progression & reduce complications.
Neild GH.Life expectancy with chronic kidney disease: An educational review.Pediatr Nephrol.2017;32(2):243-248. doi:10.1007/s00467-016-3383-8
