Kidney failure can be a life-altering medical condition, especially in its later stages. The kidneys are a pair of small organs that help filter out waste products from the blood, playing a vital role in healthy human functioning. When kidney failure occurs, these organs are unable to perform this duty, leading to serious complications.
There are five stages of kidney failure. During stage 4, your kidneys are not working as well as they should, but you are not experiencing complete failure. If you believe that you have kidney disease, it is imperative to speak to a doctor as soon as you can.
Understanding the Stages of Kidney Failure
Doctors classify kidney failure into two types: acute and chronic. Acute kidney failure occurs when your kidneys suddenly stop working, usually due to an injury or medical emergency. Chronic kidney disease comes on gradually and becomes worse over time. When discussing the five stages of kidney failure, medical professionals are often referring to chronic kidney disease.
If you are diagnosed with kidney failure, your doctor will take a measure of your estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). He or she will then use the following measurements to identify the stage of the condition.
- Stage 1 kidney failure occurs when you experience mild kidney damage. Your eGFR is 90 or higher.
- Stage 2 kidney failure occurs when you experience mild kidney damage, and you have an eGFR range of 60–89.
- Stage 3 kidney failure has two subcategories: 3a and 3b. In stage 3a, your eGFR is between 45–59 and you have mild to moderate damage. In stage 3b, your eGFR is between 30–44 and your kidneys have moderate to severe damage.
- Stage 4 kidney failure occurs when you experience severe kidney damage. Your kidneys are not close to functioning at all, and your eGFR is between 15–29.
- Stage 5 kidney failure involves the most severe kidney damage. Your kidneys are very close to not working or have completely failed. Your eGFR is below 15.
Symptoms of Stage 4 Kidney Failure
Patients with stage 4 kidney failure are more likely to experience symptoms than patients in earlier stages. This is because your kidneys are severely limited in their ability to filter waste out of your blood. This waste can build up and lead to serious complications, such as high blood pressure, bone disease, and heart problems.
Signs of kidney failure become more noticeable and bothersome at this stage. If you have this condition, you may notice the following symptoms.
- Weakness and fatigue
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Sleep problems
- Muscle twitches or cramps
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea or vomiting
- Pain in your lower back due to kidney problems
- Swelling in the limbs, such as the hands and feet
- Changes in urine, including foamy urine or strange-colored urine
- Decreased urine output or urinating more than normal
The earlier that kidney disease is detected, the easier it is to treat. If you notice any symptoms of kidney failure, or if you notice any sudden changes in your urination, speak to a medical professional as soon as possible.
How to Treat Stage 4 Kidney Failure
After being diagnosed with stage 4 kidney failure, it is important to work very closely with your treatment team. Your doctors will help you craft a plan that can help slow the progression of your kidney damage.
Stage 4 kidney disease is the last stage before complete kidney failure and planning ahead is necessary to avoid dangerous complications. In addition to making healthy lifestyle changes and taking medication to manage underlying conditions, your doctors may begin to make plans for more intensive forms of treatment.
In most cases, you will need to plan for dialysis or a kidney transplant.
- Dialysis: This treatment filters and purifies the blood. You will need to connect yourself to a machine that essentially performs the functions of kidneys. To participate in dialysis, you will need to attend regular scheduled treatments.
- Kidney Transplant: Many patients with kidney failure will require a transplant. During this surgical procedure, your doctors will replace your damaged kidneys with a new organ. However, it can take a long time to obtain a donor that is compatible with your body.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is still very important during stage 4 kidney failure. Continue to follow your doctor’s orders and eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and stop using tobacco and alcohol products.
What Is the Prognosis for People with Kidney Failure?
The prognosis for stage 4 kidney failure varies widely depending on a number of factors. These may include the underlying cause of the condition, how well the condition is managed, and any complication factors, such as diabetes.
The stage of the condition at diagnosis also plays a role. In general, it is easier to slow or stop the progression of kidney failure during the earlier stages of the disease. There is no cure for this condition, but healthy lifestyle changes and treatments during stage 1 or stage 2 can make a significant difference in outlook.
For these reasons, it is important to speak with a doctor as soon as possible if you notice any symptoms of kidney disease.
Filing a Lawsuit after Being Diagnosed with Kidney Failure
Kidney failure can occur due to many factors, from genetics and lifestyle choices to pre-existing conditions and medical emergencies. However, many people suffer from severe kidney damage and disease due to medications that are supposed to keep us healthy. Dangerous and defective drugs, like Truvada or Zantac, have a history of causing serious kidney harm to patients.
If you are diagnosed with kidney failure and believe that a defective medication is responsible for your condition, you may be eligible for legal action. By filing a lawsuit against the drug’s manufacturers, you can recover financial compensation for medical care, lost wages, and any other losses related to your kidney disease.
As soon as possible following your diagnosis, collect all evidence related to your condition, medical care, and previous medication use. Once you gather this relevant information, bring it to an attorney who has experience handling defective drug lawsuits. Your Zantac attorney can evaluate your case and identify your optimal path to recovery.