Stage 3 kidney disease life expectancy varies widely, with many living 10-20+ years or more, especially if younger and well-managed, though it's heavily influenced by age, underlying conditions (diabetes, high blood pressure), and treatment adherence, with some studies suggesting a 40-year-old might have 24+ years but older adults potentially facing shorter expectancy, as about half of patients progress to later stages within a decade.
At 60 years of age, the average life expectancy is: 13.6 years for males with stage 3a CKD. 16.5 years for females with stage 3a CKD. 7.8 years for males with stage 3b CKD.
Doctors treat Stage 3 CKD with medicines that help with your symptoms and related health conditions, such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
Although Stage 3 kidney disease is not terminal, knowing how to cope with it is key to maintaining good health. WebMD reported, “all-cause mortality rate varied from 6% in 3 years to 51% in ten years.”
Fluid retention, swelling (edema) of extremities and shortness of breath: Urination changes (foamy; dark orange, brown, tea-colored or red if it contains blood; and urinating more or less than normal) Kidney pain felt in their back. Sleep problems due to muscle cramps or restless legs.
Conclusions: About half of the patients with stage 3 CKD progressed to stage 4 or 5, as assessed by eGFR, over 10 years.
While complete reversal is rare, you can often slow progression and even improve kidney function with proper care. The key is catching and treating CKD stage 3 early. Many patients remain at stage 3 for years with good management.
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The combination of anemia and poor compensatory cardiovascular mechanisms leads to decreased oxygen convection, contributing to exertional lactic acidosis and fatigue in patients with CKD, leading to decreased arterial oxygen carrying capacity and impaired total body oxygen delivery.
Many people live with stage 3 CKD, with only some progressing to the advanced stages. Regardless, undergoing regular assessment and treatment is important to prevent the progression.
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Overall, 36.1% of older adults in the US have stage 3 or greater CKD as defined by eGFR values.
Diabetes and high blood pressure are the top culprits damaging kidneys most, as they harm the delicate filtering blood vessels, leading to chronic kidney disease (CKD) and failure; other major factors include smoking, obesity, dehydration, poor diet (high sugar/salt/red meat), certain medications (NSAIDs), lack of sleep, and genetic conditions. These factors create a cycle where damaged kidneys worsen blood pressure, further damaging them.
Thankfully, many of the breakfast favorites like fruits, whole grain cereals (without added sugars), and oatmeal tend to be higher in fiber and other nutrients, so people who eat these types of food for breakfast are in a good spot to meet their daily nutritional goals.
Sleeping on Your Back: While sleeping on your back is not the best position for everyone, it is highly recommended for kidney patients. This position allows the body to maintain a natural alignment, placing less pressure on the kidneys.
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To strengthen your kidneys, focus on a healthy lifestyle: stay hydrated with water, eat a balanced diet low in salt and processed foods, exercise regularly, avoid smoking and excessive alcohol, manage blood pressure and sugar, limit over-the-counter pain relievers (like NSAIDs), and maintain a healthy weight to support overall kidney function.
Two major drug types to avoid or use with extreme caution in kidney disease are Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve) for reducing blood flow to the kidneys, and certain antibiotics, such as aminoglycosides (like gentamicin) and some antivirals, which can directly harm kidney tissue. Always consult your doctor before taking any new medication, as many over-the-counter products and prescriptions can negatively impact kidney function.
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To protect your kidney health, it's essential to avoid high phosphorus foods like organ meats, red meat, and phosphate additives in packaged foods. Also, steer clear of too much sodium and extra salt, which can lead to muscle cramps and fluid retention.
Stage 3b CKD means moderate to severe kidney function loss. Symptoms include fatigue, swelling, and nausea. Regular checkups and lifestyle changes can help manage it.
High levels of metabolic waste products in the blood can damage nerve cells in the brain, trunk, arms, and legs. Uric acid levels may increase, sometimes causing gout. Diseased kidneys cannot excrete excess salt and water. Salt and water retention can contribute to high blood pressure and heart failure.
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Stage 3a CKD is also when complications from chronic kidney disease can start to appear, although the risk at this stage is very low. These complications include: Anemia (low levels of red blood cells)
Heart disease, uncontrolled high blood pressure or diabetes can make kidney disease get worse faster. So it is important that your doctor keeps an eye both on how your kidneys are working and your overall health.