In chronic kidney disease stage 3, kidneys are working with kidney function 30%~59%, so kidneys are unable to filter blood perfectly. In this case, some potential complications will occur to affect patients’ overall health condition.

As we all know, kidneys are great excretory organs that have several basic functions including filtering extra fluid, removing waste products and toxins, maintaining electrolyte balance, regulating blood pressure, keeping acid-base balance, and secreting some hormones. Once kidneys lose their ability to do these jobs, some corresponding symptoms and complications will happen.

1. High blood pressure

As extra fluid builds up in the blood vessels and less blood flows into kidneys, blood pressure will increase. In turn, high blood pressure will speed up the aggravation of kidney disease and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. In this case, patients should limit their intake of fluid and sodium.

2. Fluid retention

When extra fluid retains in the body, swelling or edema may occur in some regions including legs, feet, hands, ankles, face, eyelids, and so on. In severe cases, fluid retention in lung may cause shortness of breath and chest pain.

3. High creatinine and BUN levels

Both creatinine and urea are waste products discharged out of the body via kidneys. In lab test, serum creatinine and blood urea levels begin to rise, when about 50% of kidney function is lost. The buildup of extra creatinine, urea and other waste products can cause further damage to kidney and other organs.

4. Renal anemia

Anemia happens when kidneys can’t produce enough EPO to stimulate the body to produce red blood cells. Besides, bleeding may be another cause of this problem. This complication can make patients fatigue, weak and lack of energy.

All of the above complications can affect patients’ life quality largely. If you have one or more complications caused by stage 3 chronic kidney disease, you should check with your doctor or doctor online to determine a correct diet plan.