Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Stage 1: Causes, Symptoms And Treatment

What is Stage 1 CKD?

The damage to your kidneys is modest in Stage 1 CKD. Your kidneys are still functioning normally, but you may be experiencing symptoms of kidney disease or actual damage to your kidneys.

If you have stage 1 CKD, you have a normal estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of 90 or above but protein in your urine. The presence of protein alone indicates that you have Stage 1 CKD. 

The term "kidney damage" can refer to a variety of conditions. Albuminuria is a common symptom, defined as a urine albumin-creatinine ratio (uACR) of 30 or above for at least three months. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) that are common and/or long-lasting, blood in the urine (hematuria), kidney stones, kidney cysts, or abnormal findings during medical imaging (ultrasound, MRI, or CT scan), or urinalysis are all signs of kidney impairment. 

Signs and symptoms of stage 1 chronic kidney disease

Stage 1 CKD generally causes nil to minimal symptoms. If you have symptoms, they are most likely tied to the sort of kidney disease you have. For example, if you have albuminuria, you may detect frothy urine.

Some signs and symptoms of Stage 1 CKD include:

• High blood pressure
• Hand or foot swelling
• Urinary tract infections
• Protein in your urine
• Blood in your pee (also known as hematuria)
• Kidney injury seen through an ultrasound, CT scan, MRI, or kidney biopsy

Even while the damage to your kidneys might not be repairable, there are still many things you can do to prolong their optimal function.  

Read: How To Slow Down The Progression Of Stage 1 Kidney Disease

Stage 1 CKD health hazards

Your uACR level in stage 1 CKD is the primary determinant of your health risk. Your chance of CKD worsening is lowest if your uACR level is less than 30; in fact, if you don't have any other kidney impairment, you might not even have CKD. According to the chart above, as your uACR value rises, so are your chances of having heart disease and of CKD deteriorating.

How can medical professionals confirm that I have CKD?

Many people with Stage 1 CKD don't exhibit any symptoms. However, your doctor could do a kidney function test if you have a family history of kidney failure or a medical condition like diabetes or high blood pressure that might harm your kidneys.

Doctors will do tests to determine if you have CKD, including:

• Tests for urine
• Blood testing for eGFR
• blood pressure measurements
• Imaging procedures like an MRI, CT scan, or ultrasound to take precise photographs of the inside of your body

How is stage 1 CKD treated?

Doctors' primary goals for Stage 1 CKD are to slow the progression of kidney deterioration and prolong the time that your kidneys are healthy. 

Together with you, doctors will:

• If you have diabetes, control your blood sugar levels.
• Maintain a healthy blood pressure (less than 120/80 millimeters of mercury, or mm HG, is ideal).
• Choose whether or not to start or stop taking any medications in order to safeguard your kidneys.

Ask your primary care physician for assistance in locating a nephrologist if you do not already have one. To create a unique treatment plan for you, you and your nephrologist can collaborate.

Medications

Depending on your medical history and the reason why you have kidney impairment, your doctor may recommend one or more medications. For instance, if you have albuminuria, your doctor could advise taking either an ACE inhibitor/ARB or an SGLT2 inhibitor. These medications aid in lowering uACR levels and can prevent or halt the progression of CKD.

Additionally, your doctor could advise a statin (a type of cholesterol medication). According to recommendations, those with stage 1 CKD who also have diabetes, a history of heart disease, or who are 50 years of age or older should take a statin. A statin can reduce your chance of having a heart attack or stroke even if your cholesterol is normal.

At every medical appointment, bring an up-to-date list of all the prescription and over-the-counter drugs you are taking and provide it to the healthcare provider. Before beginning to use any vitamins, herbal remedies, or other over-the-counter medications, see your doctor or pharmacist.

Lifestyle suggestions for stage 1 CKD patients

An excellent moment to adopt a healthy lifestyle is right now:

• Stop smoking and/or using tobacco products. Smoking can hasten the development of renal disease and raise your chance of developing kidney failure. Additionally, it raises your chance of other severe health issues including high blood pressure, cancer, heart disease, and stroke.

• Regularly moving about. Keep in mind that it's alright to begin gently; short walks are a terrific place to start.

• Also crucial is getting quality sleep. So that you are well-rested, try to obtain adequate sleep.

• If you are overweight, decreasing weight with a healthy diet and regular exercise may greatly enhance your health.

Nutrition suggestions for Stage 1 CKD patients

Although eating healthily is crucial, there are not many dietary limitations in stage 1 CKD. Increased consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, plant-based proteins, seafood, and lean meats are usually considered to be healthy eating habits. Limit your intake of processed meals, refined carbohydrates (sugars), and sweetened beverages.

Limiting your daily salt consumption to less than 2300 mg (about 1 teaspoon of all the food and beverages you consume each day) is crucial if you have high blood pressure. Depending on your other health issues, your healthcare provider could suggest a lower goal. 

This includes avoiding salt shakers and avoiding meals that have high sodium content mentioned on the nutrition information label. When you look at the nutrition information label on certain items that don't taste salty, you may be surprised by the amount of sodium they contain.

Inquire with your healthcare provider about any possible dietary suggestions made just for you.