Stage 5 chronic kidney disease (CKD)
What is stage 5 chronic kidney disease (CKD)?
Stage 5 chronic kidney disease (CKD) is the most severe form of kidney disease, also known as kidney failure. At this stage, your kidneys have lost nearly all their function, having an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of less than 15ml/min /1.73m2.
The kidneys have an important role in the body – they filter waste and toxins from the blood; help maintain the correct water balance and help to regulate blood pressure. They also return glucose (sugar) and certain minerals back into the blood stream and produce essential hormones.
When your kidneys fail, it is life-threatening, and without treatment, it can be fatal. Most people with stage 5 CKD require dialysis or a kidney transplant.
How stage 5 CKD impacts your health
Many people with stage 5 CKD experience additional health issues related to kidney disease.
These can include:
- Cardiovascular disease including heart disease
- High blood pressure
- Metabolic acidosis (a buildup of acid in the blood)
- Bone problems
- Hyperkalaemia (high levels of potassium in the blood)
For those living with stage 5 CKD, regular check-ups with a healthcare professional are important to monitor these conditions.
Signs and symptoms of stage 5 CKD
Common symptoms of stage 5 CKD include:
- Itching
- Nausea (feeling sick)
- Swelling in the feet, ankles, or hands
- Being short of breath
- Taste changes such as a metallic taste in the mouth
- A change in frequency of urination
- Feeling tired
- Loss of appetite and losing weight
- Blood in the urine
- Muscle cramps
- Headaches
- Disrupted sleep
- Erectile dysfunction
Treatments for stage 5 CKD
For people living with stage 5 CKD, treatment options include transplant or dialysis. More information on these options can be found on our dedicated transplant and dialysis pages. Patients may have the option to choose conservative care, which focuses is on managing symptoms and maintaining quality of life.
While stage 5 CKD is severe, there are lifestyle changes that can be made to try and protect remaining kidney function:
- Management of other medical conditions. Conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes can damage the kidneys, so it is important to follow a GP’s advice, including taking any medications and attending appointments.
- Stop smoking. Smoking can increase the risk and rate of progression to kidney failure. It also increases the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) which increases the risk of CKD.
- Eat a healthy and balanced diet. Avoid consuming too much salt as this increases blood pressure and can put strain on the kidneys. For more information on healthy eating for kidney patients visit our dedicated page.
- Avoid drinking excessive amounts of alcohol. Avoid drinking over 14 units a week regularly.
- Exercise regularly. The NHS recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise a week. Starting with short walks is a great way to begin.
- Having overweight. Losing weight through a healthy diet and exercise can improve your health.
- Avoid the use of certain painkillers, called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as Ibuprofen, where possible, as these can cause kidney damage if taken too often.
Important questions to ask
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with stage 5 CKD, it is important to have an open dialogue with your healthcare provider. Consider asking these questions:
- What are my treatment options?
- How will dialysis affect my daily life?
- Am I a candidate for a kidney transplant?
- What lifestyle changes should I make?
- How can I manage my symptoms effectively?
- What support services are available for me and my family?
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