Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Stage 2: Causes, Symptoms And Treatment

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a kind of kidney impairment that occurs over time. It is distinguished by persistent damage that proceeds on a five-stage scale.

Stage 1 indicates the least degree of kidney damage, whereas stage 5 (end stage) indicates renal failure. A stage 2 CKD diagnosis indicates that you have little damage.

The objective of CKD diagnosis and therapy is to halt the progression of kidney disease. While there is no way to reverse the damage at any point, having stage 2 CKD implies you still have a chance to prevent it from worsening.

Read on to learn more about the characteristics of this stage 2 kidney disease, as well as the measures you can take right now to help prevent the condition from progressing further.

The key element defining your health risk in stage 2 CKD is your uACR level. If your uACR level is less than 30, you have the lowest chance of CKD worsening (and you may not even have CKD if you don't have any other type of kidney impairment). As your uACR score rises, so are your chances of getting heart disease and CKD progression (worsening), as seen in the graph below. 

Symptoms of kidney disease in stage 2:

EGFR levels in stage 2 are still deemed within a "normal" range of kidney function, making this type of chronic kidney disease difficult to identify.

If you have kidney disease and have high eGFR readings, you may also have high creatinine levels in your urine.

Stage 2 CKD is typically asymptomatic, with most significant symptoms not occurring until your illness has advanced to stage 3.

Among possible symptoms are:

• Increased or reduced urination is linked to darker urine that might be yellow, red, or orange in hue.
• Extreme exhaustion.
• Excessive blood pressure.
• Edema is the retention of fluid.
• Lower back discomfort.
• Cramps in the evening.
• Insomnia.
• Itchiness or dry skin.

What causes Stage 2 kidney disease?

Kidney damage and reduced kidney function are the root causes of kidney disease itself. These vital organs must function properly in order to create the necessary urine output and eliminate wastes from circulation.

Stage 1 CKD is seldom identified since there is so little damage that there aren't enough symptoms to pick it up. When there is a decline in function or probable physical injury, stage 1 might advance to stage 2.

Kidney disease has several common causes, including:

• Elevated blood pressure.
• Diabetes.
• Urinary infections that recur.
• Renal stone history.
• Cysts or tumors in the vicinity of the kidneys.
• Lupus.

Your kidneys might suffer additional harm the longer the aforementioned disorders go untreated.

You might not be aware that you have stage 2 CKD until your yearly checkup because early kidney disease doesn't have as many symptoms as later stages.

Adults should maintain contact with a primary care physician, which is the key takeaway from this. If you suffer any of the aforementioned symptoms in addition to your routine checks, you should visit your doctor.

If you have any risk factors or a family history of renal disease, a doctor would probably also closely examine the condition of your kidneys.

A doctor may do imaging tests, such as a renal ultrasound, in addition to blood and urine testing and other diagnostic procedures. These tests can help you get a clearer view of your kidneys so you can determine the severity of any damage.

How is stage 2 kidney disease diagnosed?

An estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) blood test is used by doctors to identify kidney disease. This gauges your blood's concentration of the amino acid creatine, which can reveal whether or not your kidneys are filtering waste.

The proper functioning of your kidneys is indicated by an excessively high creatinine level.

Stage 1 CKD, when there is only very slight renal impairment, is characterized by EGFR values of 90 or greater. Readings of 15 or less indicate kidney failure. Your eGFR value at stage 2 will range from 60 to 89.

No matter what stage your kidney disease is at, the objective is to increase total kidney function and stop more harm from occurring.

Regular eGFR testing can show whether your treatment strategy is effective. Your eGFR measurements would range from 30 to 59 if you reached stage 3.

How can stage 2 kidney disease be treated?

Damage to the kidneys cannot be repaired after it has already occurred. You may, however, stop the development from going any farther. To assist address the underlying causes of stage 2 CKD, this entails a mix of dietary adjustments and prescription drugs.

Medical treatment

The purpose of medication for stage 2 CKD is to treat underlying diseases that may be causing kidney damage. You must keep a close eye on your glucose levels if you have diabetes.

If high blood pressure is the cause of CKD, it may be treated with angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) or ACE inhibitors.

With a prescription drug called Kerendia (finerenone), persons with CKD associated with type 2 diabetes can lower their risk of end-stage renal disease, persistent GFR decrease, cardiovascular mortality, nonfatal myocardial infarction, and hospitalization for heart failure.

Based on your medical history and the cause of your kidney impairment, your doctor may recommend one or more drugs. For instance, your doctor could recommend an ACE inhibitor/ARB, an SGLT2 inhibitor, and/or a nsMRA if you have albuminuria. These drugs can reduce or stop the progression of CKD and assist lower uACR levels.

A statin (a type of cholesterol medication) may also be recommended by your medical expert. For those with stage 2 CKD who also have diabetes, a history of heart disease, or are 50 years of age or older, guidelines advise using a statin. A statin can help lessen your chance of having a heart attack or stroke even if you do not have high cholesterol.

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.

Also read: Type1 Diabetes Blood Glucose Control And Preventing Eye And Kidney Complications

Nutrition

Although eating healthily is crucial, there are not many dietary limitations with stage 2 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 sodium (salt) consumption to less than 2300 mg (about 1 teaspoon from 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.

Recommended: 

Carbohydrate Counting For Kidney Health And CKD 

Anti-Inflammatory Foods To Eat To Prevent And Fight Inflammation

lifestyle suggestions

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

• Stop smoking and/or using tobacco products. Smoking can hasten the development of kidney 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.

• Look for strategies to lessen and manage your stress.

Lowering your risk of CKD development is crucial if you have stage 2 CKD. This entails taking action to treat any additional medical concerns you may have, such as high cholesterol, diabetes, and hypertension (high blood pressure).