A patient with stage 3 kidney disease suffers from moderate kidney damage. As kidney functions decline, waste products will build up in the blood which will cause a condition that's referred to as uremia. During stage 3 a person will be more likely to develop such complications as anemia, bone disease and high blood pressure.
An Effective Stage 3 Kidney Disease Treatment
During stage 3 kidney disease a patient may experience symptoms such as fluid retention and swelling of the extremities, urination changes, kidney pain that is felt in the back, problems sleeping at night due to restless legs and muscle cramps and changes in urination. As stage 3 progresses, a patient should see a specialist. A doctor who specializes in treating kidney disease is known as a nephrologist. A nephrologist performs tests in order to obtain information about the patient's condition so that they can determine the best advice for treatment. The specialist's goal is to help a patient to keep their kidneys functioning as long as possible.
During stage three the patient will also be referred to a dietitian. Because diet is an important part of treatment, the dietitian will review a person's lab work and will recommend meal plans that are designed to meet the patient's needs. Eating an appropriate diet will help to preserve kidney function and the patient's overall health. This type of diet will usually consist of eating high quality protein and potassium. A renal diet will also involve consuming a healthy serving of fruits, veggies and grains that contain phosphorus and potassium at normal levels. Limiting the amount of phosphorus you consume in order to keep levels normal and prevent bone disease will also be crucial. It will be beneficial to work with a renal dietitian because as the stages of this disease change so will the patient's dietary needs.
An Effective Stage 3 Kidney Disease Treatment
During stage 3 kidney disease a patient may experience symptoms such as fluid retention and swelling of the extremities, urination changes, kidney pain that is felt in the back, problems sleeping at night due to restless legs and muscle cramps and changes in urination. As stage 3 progresses, a patient should see a specialist. A doctor who specializes in treating kidney disease is known as a nephrologist. A nephrologist performs tests in order to obtain information about the patient's condition so that they can determine the best advice for treatment. The specialist's goal is to help a patient to keep their kidneys functioning as long as possible.
During stage three the patient will also be referred to a dietitian. Because diet is an important part of treatment, the dietitian will review a person's lab work and will recommend meal plans that are designed to meet the patient's needs. Eating an appropriate diet will help to preserve kidney function and the patient's overall health. This type of diet will usually consist of eating high quality protein and potassium. A renal diet will also involve consuming a healthy serving of fruits, veggies and grains that contain phosphorus and potassium at normal levels. Limiting the amount of phosphorus you consume in order to keep levels normal and prevent bone disease will also be crucial. It will be beneficial to work with a renal dietitian because as the stages of this disease change so will the patient's dietary needs.
Many people who develop this disease will have high blood pressure or diabetes. By keeping the glucose level well managed and maintaining a healthy blood pressure, this will work to preserve kidney function. Both of these conditions will require close blood pressure monitoring. Studies have shown that certain blood pressure medications can help to slow the progression of this disease, even in people with diabetes who do not have any blood pressure issues. Patients should speak with their doctors about their medication options and take them exactly as prescribed.
Kidney Disease: Prolonging Your Life
In addition to taking prescribed medication and eating right, exercising regularly and not smoking will also be beneficial to prolonging kidney function. A patient should speak to their physician regarding an exercise regimen. Currently, there is not cure for kidney disease, but it is possible to slow the progression. In many cases, making significant lifestyle changes can help to keep a person healthier, longer.
Kidney Disease: Prolonging Your Life
In addition to taking prescribed medication and eating right, exercising regularly and not smoking will also be beneficial to prolonging kidney function. A patient should speak to their physician regarding an exercise regimen. Currently, there is not cure for kidney disease, but it is possible to slow the progression. In many cases, making significant lifestyle changes can help to keep a person healthier, longer.