Understanding Stage 2 Kidney Disease: Symptoms and Management (2024)

Kidney diseases affect the functions and structure of our kidney. As you may know, kidney diseases can range from mild to serious ones. There are stages to kidney diseases as well.

Have you heard about the stage 2 kidney disease? In this stage, the kidney will be damaged but slightly. Stage 2 kidney disease may not show any symptoms. So, the diagnosis can be hard.

Want to know more about stage 2 kidney disease? Curious about its symptoms? How can it be managed? Mykare Health will give you an insight into these questions through this blog.

What Is Stage 2 Kidney Disease?

Kidney disease is differentiated into stages. It is based on the kidney’s glomerular filtration rate or GFR. It measures the efficiency of the kidneys. Stage 2 kidney disease includes a mild dysfunction of the kidneys.

If the GFR rate is between 60 and 89, then it is stage 2 kidney disease. In this condition, your kidney will get affected. But it will still work. Stage 2 can be more serious than stage 1. In stage 1, the kidneys work normally even if it is affected.

People may not always show symptoms if they have stage 2 kidney disease. Detection of this disease is difficult. It can only be detected through regular monitoring.

Urine tests or lab tests can be done to diagnose stage 2 kidney disease.

What Are The Symptoms?

Stage 2 kidney disease is asymptomatic. But, there are some symptoms that could indicate a problem with your kidney. Here are some of them.

• Protein in urine: Urine may contain protein if you have stage 2 kidney disease. If you observe this, it can be a sign that your kidney functions are becoming compromised.

• Hypertension: The other symptom of stage 2 kidney disease is hypertension, or high blood pressure. One should take a spike in blood pressure seriously. The kidneys' role in controlling blood pressure is the reason behind this.

• Changes in urination: Your pattern of urination may change in some way. It can be an unusual texture, a color shift, or a rise in frequency. It could be an indication that your kidney disease is in stage 2.

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• Urinary tract infections (UTIs): Urinary tract infections are typically a sign of kidney dysfunction. You should have it looked out if you encounter this.

• Fatigue: Another sign could be exhaustion. If your kidneys aren't working right, you might be tired all the time.

• Edema: Fluid buildup can happen due to the disease. It causes swelling in hands and legs.

How to Manage Stage 2 Kidney Disease?

Medications

Medication can help treat stage 2 kidney disease to some degree. The following drugs are frequently prescribed to treat stage 2 kidney disease:

• Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) inhibitors

• Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs)

• Sodium Glucose Transport Protein 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors

• Statins to manage cholesterol

• Diuretics

These medicines will be prescribed by your doctor if you have stage 2 kidney disease. These will lower the risk of the disease getting worse. Medication can also vary depending on the conditions of individuals.

Even though these medications are suggested for the improved condition of your kidneys, it can also have side effects. It is not common. Potential side effects can include cough, dehydration, and muscle pain. In some cases, diarrhea and constipation can occur as side effects.

Lifestyle Management For Stage 2 Kidney Disease

You can also control stage 2 kidney disease by making some changes to your overall lifestyle. A healthy lifestyle can reduce the progress of the disease.

Here’s what you should focus on.

Maintaining a healthy diet is crucial. A lot of fresh fruits and vegetables should be consumed. Eating whole grains has additional advantages. Steer clear of foods high in sodium and sugar. The health of your kidneys is also endangered by processed foods.

Consuming vitamins and minerals are also important. You should also maintain a normal level of blood pressure. So, consume foods that can contribute to it.

Daily exercise is another important step towards having a healthy kidney. It can also lower the risk of stage 2 kidney disease from getting worse. Maintain a healthy weight. Make sure to do physical activities daily. Along with that, consume necessary calories.

Regular exercise such as walking, cycling, swimming can help you maintain a healthy kidney. You can also try other methods such as yoga and meditation.

Stress can affect kidney health. So it is important to manage your stress level. Yoga, meditation, and other breathing exercises can help in stress management.

Diabetes and blood sugar level should also be controlled. Keep their level to normal to reduce further risks related to the kidney. Avoiding smoking and reducing alcohol consumption can also help your kidneys to stay healthy.

Make sure to consult with your doctor regularly to assess your progress. Constant monitoring of kidney health is important. Follow the instructions provided by them.

Why Early Detection Is Important?

In case you are suffering from stage 2 kidney disease, early detection is crucial for optimal management. Routine check-ups, monitoring kidney function, and adopting a healthy lifestyle contribute to better outcomes.

Here’s why you must not delay in detecting your condition.

You should know that there is no cure for kidney disease. We can only manage it. We can prevent it from getting worse but cannot cure it. Medications and proper lifestyle management are the best treatment for stage 2 kidney disease.

Remember, proper care and treatment can keep your kidney healthy for a long time.