Symptoms of Stage 4 Chronic Kidney Disease

Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is the best measure of kidney function. According to GFR, Chronic Kidney Disease is divided into 5 stages. In stage 4 Chronic Kidney Disease, the kidneys are damaged severely with a severe decrease in GFR to 15~30 ml/min. In stage 4 Chronic Kidney Disease, the patients mainly present the following symptoms.

Fatigue: In stage 4 Chronic Kidney Disease, most of the patients often have fatigue due to anemia. For nausea, vomiting and poor appetite, the patients can not get sufficient raw material of blood. Moreover, less hemopoietin is produced by kidneys, which is the leading cause of anemia.

Severe swelling: The kidneys may lose their ability to control how much fluid stay s in the body. The patients may have swelling in heir lower legs, hands or face around the eyes. In some cases, some patients may have pulmonary edema which can cause them feel short of breath.

Urination changes: In stage 4 Chronic Kidney Disease, urine may be foamy if there is protein in it. Also if the urine contains red blood cells, the urine will be tea colored or brown. A person may urinate more or less than normal, or have urination frequently at night.

Kidney pain: Most of the patients with stage 4 Chronic Kidney Disease do not have back pain. However, if the patients have cystic disease like Polycystic Kidney Disease, or infections, they may have pain in the kidney area.

Poor appetite: In stage 4 of Chronic Kidney Disease, some patients may be accompanied with gastrointestinal diseases and peptic ulcer disease. Moreover, the patients often have metallic taste in their mouth. These problems can affect the patients’ appetite and cause nausea, vomiting etc.

Sleep problem: Sleep problem is a lasting torment for the patients with stage 4 Chronic Kidney Disease. They may have trouble in falling asleep or staying asleep. Skin itching, muscle cramps or restless legs can keep them awake the whole night.


If you have one or several symptoms mentioned about and do not if they are related to kidney problems, you can consult us on line. Our experts will analyze your disease condition carefully and give you a reply as early as possible.