Chronic kidney disease stage III: a practical guide

Stage III is a broad category, so the exact result and its trend matter. Reduced filtering can affect fluid balance and the handling of medicines, minerals, and waste. Some people have no obvious symptoms; others notice fatigue, swelling, changes in urination, itching, or sleep problems. Anaemia, hypertension, diabetes, and gout may need attention alongside the kidney condition. A clinician interprets kidney blood tests with urine findings and your wider health.

Use medicines as prescribed and ask for a medication review whenever another clinician recommends a new treatment. Keep blood pressure and blood sugar checks on schedule, attend urine and blood testing, and report side effects. Avoid self-treating with anti-inflammatory painkillers or supplements until a professional checks they are suitable. Food, salt, fluids, activity, and weight advice should reflect your results and other conditions, not a generic online plan.

Seek prompt advice for new swelling, much less urine, blood in the urine, persistent nausea or vomiting, increasing breathlessness, or unusual drowsiness. Fatigue and excessive thirst have several possible causes, so describe when they began and how they are changing. Emergency help is appropriate for severe breathlessness, chest pain, collapse, or sudden confusion.

Which stage III result applies to me, and is it stable? What is the likely cause? How often should I repeat blood and urine tests? Do I need a kidney specialist? Which medicines, painkillers, or supplements should I avoid? What change in urine, swelling, or breathing should trigger a call?