Stage 3 kidney disease is a serious medical condition that can cause a range of health problems and potentially shorten life expectancy. However, with proper medical care, diet, and lifestyle changes, it is possible to live a long and healthy life with stage 3 kidney disease.
Symptoms of Stage 3 Kidney Disease
Stage 3 kidney disease is characterized by a decline in kidney function, resulting in an accumulation of waste products in the blood. Common symptoms of stage 3 kidney disease include fatigue, itchy skin, a decrease in urine output, high blood pressure, and swelling in the legs and feet.
Treatment Options for Stage 3 Kidney Disease
The primary goal of treatment for stage 3 kidney disease is to slow the progression of the disease and reduce symptoms. Treatment options include medications, lifestyle changes, and dialysis. Medications may include ACE inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers, which can help control blood pressure; diuretics, which can help reduce swelling; and phosphate binders, which can help reduce the amount of phosphorus in the blood.
Lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, reducing alcohol consumption, and eating a healthy diet, can also help to slow the progression of the disease. Dialysis may be recommended for those with stage 3 kidney disease who have severely reduced kidney function.
Can You Live 20 Years with Stage 3 Kidney Disease?
The prognosis for those with stage 3 kidney disease varies, depending on the individual and their response to treatment. With proper medical care and lifestyle changes, it is possible to live a long and healthy life with stage 3 kidney disease. However, in some cases, the disease may progress to end-stage renal failure, which can significantly shorten life expectancy.