Kidney Disease Stage 2: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment Options, and Additional Info
Article Title: Understanding Stage 2 Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): Causes, Symptoms, and Management
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a condition that develops when the kidneys become less effective over time due to damage. In its early stages, such as Stage 2 CKD, symptoms are often subtle or absent, making regular medical monitoring crucial.
Common causes of Stage 2 CKD include diabetes (type 1 and 2), high blood pressure (hypertension), autoimmune diseases like lupus, genetic conditions like polycystic kidney disease, recurrent kidney infections, and prolonged use of certain medications (e.g., NSAIDs).
The damage to the kidneys in Stage 2 CKD primarily affects the blood vessels or filtering units, impairing their ability to remove wastes and excess fluid from the body. This can lead to a buildup of waste products in the blood, potentially causing health issues.
Symptoms in Stage 2 CKD may include fatigue and weakness, swelling (edema) in hands, feet, ankles, or face, changes in urination such as more frequent urination, foamy urine due to protein loss, or decreased urine output. Other potential symptoms include high blood pressure, loss of appetite, nausea, a metallic taste, persistent itching of the skin, shortness of breath, muscle cramps, and anemia, causing a constant feeling of cold.
Early detection and management of Stage 2 CKD are essential to prevent progression to more severe stages. A doctor can run tests such as the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) test to diagnose CKD. An eGFR test is the leading indicator of a person's current stage of CKD, as it measures the level of a waste product called creatinine in the blood.
Regular urine tests can also help assess kidney function, measure the stage of CKD, check for complications, and track kidney-linked health issues. A doctor might also request imaging tests to check the physical structure of the kidneys.
People with diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, or a family history of kidney disease should speak with a qualified healthcare professional about testing for CKD. Maintaining healthy blood pressure is vital for kidney disease management, and this can be achieved through lifestyle changes such as eating low sodium, heart-healthy meals and maintaining an active lifestyle.
In some cases, a doctor may prescribe angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) to help slow kidney damage. People with Stage 2 CKD need to be cautious about taking over-the-counter medications, as some can cause kidney damage.
If you suspect you may have CKD, it's essential to seek a medical opinion, especially if you have any potential risk factors. Early detection and management can significantly improve outcomes and quality of life.
[1] National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2021). Chronic Kidney Disease. Retrieved from https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/kidney-disease/ckd-chronic-kidney-disease
[2] National Kidney Foundation. (2021). Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Stages. Retrieved from https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/ckd_stages
[3] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Chronic kidney disease. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/chronic-kidney-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20373436
[4] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Chronic Kidney Disease. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/ckd/
[5] American Kidney Fund. (2021). Symptoms of Chronic Kidney Disease. Retrieved from https://www.kidneyfund.org/kidney-disease/symptoms-of-ckd.html
