What is Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)?
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a long-term condition in which the kidneys gradually lose their ability to filter waste products, excess fluids, and toxins from the blood. Unlike acute kidney injury which happens suddenly, CKD develops silently over months and years — often without any noticeable symptoms until significant kidney function has already been lost.
CKD affects approximately 17% of India's adult population. In Punjab, the burden is even higher due to the combination of widespread diabetes, hypertension, and environmental factors. Dr. Swaranjeet Kaur, the most trusted nephrologist in Bathinda, specializes in early CKD detection, stage-specific management, and slowing disease progression.
The good news: with early diagnosis and proper treatment, CKD progression can be significantly slowed and quality of life preserved — even for those diagnosed at Stage 3 or 4.
How is CKD Staged? Understanding eGFR
CKD is classified into 5 stages based on eGFR — Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate. This is a calculated number that tells us how well the kidneys are filtering blood per minute. A normal healthy eGFR is above 90 mL/min/1.73m². The lower the eGFR, the worse the kidney function.
| CKD Stage | eGFR (mL/min) | Kidney Function | Action Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 | ≥ 90 | Normal or near-normal | Monitor, treat cause |
| Stage 2 | 60–89 | Mildly reduced | Risk factor management |
| Stage 3 | 30–59 | Moderately reduced | Nephrology specialist care |
| Stage 4 | 15–29 | Severely reduced | Dialysis/transplant planning |
| Stage 5 | < 15 | Kidney failure | Dialysis or transplant needed |
CKD Stage 1 — Symptoms & What to Do
At Stage 1, kidney function is still normal (eGFR ≥ 90), but there are signs of kidney damage such as protein in urine or structural abnormalities seen on ultrasound. Most people have no symptoms whatsoever at this stage. CKD Stage 1 is often discovered accidentally during routine blood or urine tests done for other reasons.
What to do: Identify and aggressively treat the underlying cause (diabetes, high BP, infections). Regular monitoring every 6 months. Lifestyle changes including diet modification, regular exercise, and quitting smoking. No specific kidney medicines needed yet in most cases.
CKD Stage 2 — Symptoms & What to Do
At Stage 2, kidney function is mildly reduced (eGFR 60–89). Like Stage 1, symptoms are usually absent. The kidneys are still doing their job reasonably well, but damage is progressing beneath the surface. Blood and urine tests may show slightly elevated creatinine and protein in urine.
What to do: Strict control of blood pressure (target below 130/80 mmHg), excellent diabetes management, low-sodium diet, regular monitoring every 3–6 months with a nephrologist. Starting kidney-protective medicines (ACE inhibitors or ARBs) as advised by Dr. Swaranjeet Kaur.
CKD Stage 3 — Symptoms & Treatment
Stage 3 (eGFR 30–59) is where CKD becomes more significant. Symptoms may begin to appear, and complications like anaemia, high blood pressure, and early bone disease can develop. Many patients from across Punjab come to Dr. Swaranjeet Kaur in Bathinda after being diagnosed at Stage 3.
Symptoms at Stage 3:
- Fatigue and weakness (often due to anaemia from reduced erythropoietin production)
- Fluid retention causing mild ankle swelling
- High blood pressure that is harder to control
- Changes in urine frequency — more frequent at night (nocturia)
- Mild breathlessness on exertion
Treatment at Stage 3: Medicines to protect kidneys and control BP, management of anaemia (iron supplements or erythropoietin injections), dietary protein restriction, phosphorus control, and bone protection. Regular visits to the nephrologist every 3 months.
CKD Stage 4 — Symptoms & Treatment
Stage 4 (eGFR 15–29) is severe kidney disease. Symptoms become more noticeable and quality of life is affected. This stage requires intensive medical management and preparation for kidney replacement therapy (dialysis or transplant).
Symptoms at Stage 4:
- Significant fatigue, weakness, and pallor (anaemia)
- Noticeable swelling in legs and face
- Nausea, vomiting, and poor appetite
- Itching and dry skin
- Muscle cramps
- Difficulty sleeping
- Reduced urine output
Treatment at Stage 4: All Stage 3 treatments plus: preparation counselling for dialysis, evaluation for kidney transplant candidacy, access creation for hemodialysis, management of electrolyte imbalances (potassium, phosphorus), and nutritional support.
CKD Stage 5 — Kidney Failure & Treatment Options
Stage 5 CKD (eGFR below 15) is also called End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) or kidney failure. The kidneys can no longer adequately filter blood to sustain life. At this stage, kidney replacement therapy — either dialysis or kidney transplant — is necessary for survival.
Treatment options at Stage 5:
- Hemodialysis: Blood is cleaned outside the body using a dialysis machine, typically 3 sessions per week at the dialysis center. Available at Pragma Medical Institute, Bathinda.
- Peritoneal Dialysis: Cleaning is done inside the abdomen using a special fluid, which can often be done at home after training.
- Kidney Transplant: The best long-term option when a suitable donor is available. Dr. Swaranjeet Kaur provides comprehensive pre and post-transplant care.
Managing CKD: Key Lifestyle Changes
- Follow a kidney-friendly diet (low salt, low protein at advanced stages, low potassium/phosphorus)
- Control blood pressure daily (target <130/80 mmHg)
- Manage diabetes strictly (target HbA1c <7%)
- Avoid nephrotoxic medications (NSAIDs, some herbal medicines)
- Stay active — gentle exercise like walking is beneficial
- Quit smoking and avoid alcohol
- Regular monitoring blood tests every 1–3 months
Get Expert CKD Care in Bathinda
No matter which stage of CKD you are at, Dr. Swaranjeet Kaur can help you slow progression, manage complications, and improve your quality of life. Book your consultation today.
Book Appointment 9056248509