Low eGFR - What It Means & What to Do
Your eGFR measures how well your kidneys are filtering waste from your blood. A low eGFR indicates that your kidneys may not be working as efficiently as they should. While this can be a sign of kidney disease, it can also be caused by other factors and is often manageable with lifestyle changes and medical guidance.
A slightly low eGFR doesn't always mean serious kidney damage. In many cases, it can be improved or stabilized with proper care and monitoring. Early detection allows for proactive management.
What eGFR Measures
Possible Causes
Dehydration
commonInsufficient fluid intake can reduce kidney function, leading to a temporary decrease in eGFR.
Medications
commonCertain medications, such as NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and some blood pressure medications, can affect kidney function and lower eGFR.
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
less-commonA UTI can temporarily impact kidney function, especially if the infection spreads to the kidneys.
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
commonUncontrolled high blood pressure can damage the blood vessels in the kidneys, leading to chronic kidney disease (CKD) and a decreased eGFR.
Diabetes
commonHigh blood sugar levels in diabetes can damage the kidneys over time, leading to diabetic nephropathy and a lower eGFR.
Glomerulonephritis
less-commonInflammation of the glomeruli (the filtering units of the kidneys) can impair kidney function and lower eGFR.
Kidney Stones
less-commonBlockage in the urinary tract due to kidney stones can cause temporary kidney dysfunction.
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
less-commonProgressive loss of kidney function over time. CKD has several stages, and eGFR helps determine the stage and guide treatment.
Your Action Plan
Consult Your Doctor
Schedule an appointment with your doctor to discuss your eGFR results. They will review your medical history, perform a physical exam, and may order additional tests to determine the underlying cause of the low eGFR.
immediate PriorityReview Medications
Discuss all medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements, with your doctor. Some medications can affect kidney function and may need to be adjusted or discontinued.
this-week PriorityMonitor Blood Pressure
If you have high blood pressure, work with your doctor to manage it effectively. This may involve lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise, and/or medications.
ongoing PriorityControl Blood Sugar (If Diabetic)
If you have diabetes, carefully manage your blood sugar levels through diet, exercise, and medication as prescribed by your doctor.
ongoing PriorityFollow-Up Testing
Your doctor will likely recommend regular follow-up testing to monitor your eGFR and kidney function over time. This may involve blood tests and urine tests.
ongoing PriorityGlobal & Cultural Context
In India, there's a relatively high prevalence of diabetes and hypertension, which are major risk factors for kidney disease. Studies have shown that Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a significant public health problem in India. Therefore, it's essential for individuals in India, especially those with diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of kidney disease, to be proactive about monitoring their kidney function through regular eGFR testing.
Lifestyle Adjustments
🥗 Diet
Follow a kidney-friendly diet. Reduce sodium intake (avoid processed foods), limit phosphorus (found in dairy, nuts, and dark sodas), and moderate potassium (found in bananas, oranges, and potatoes). Your doctor or a registered dietitian can provide personalized recommendations. Protein intake might need to be adjusted, depending on the underlying cause of your low eGFR.
🏃 Exercise
Engage in regular physical activity, such as walking, swimming, or cycling, for at least 30 minutes most days of the week. Exercise can help improve blood pressure, blood sugar control, and overall kidney health. Consult your doctor before starting a new exercise program.
😴 Sleep & Stress
Aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep per night. Manage stress through relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga. Chronic stress can negatively impact kidney function.
Monitoring Timeline
Common Questions
Can a low eGFR be reversed?
In some cases, a low eGFR can be improved or even reversed, especially if it's caused by a temporary factor like dehydration or medication. Addressing the underlying cause, managing blood pressure and blood sugar, and making lifestyle changes can often improve kidney function. However, if the low eGFR is due to chronic kidney disease, the progression may be slowed down but not always reversed.
What are the stages of kidney disease related to eGFR?
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is staged based on eGFR values. Stage 1 (eGFR ≥ 90 mL/min/1.73 m²) indicates normal or high kidney function with some kidney damage. Stage 2 (eGFR 60-89) indicates mild kidney damage. Stage 3a (eGFR 45-59) and 3b (eGFR 30-44) indicate moderate kidney damage. Stage 4 (eGFR 15-29) indicates severe kidney damage. Stage 5 (eGFR < 15) indicates kidney failure.
Is a low eGFR always a sign of kidney failure?
No, a low eGFR does not automatically mean kidney failure. It indicates that your kidneys are not filtering blood as efficiently as they should, but the severity can vary. Kidney failure (Stage 5 CKD) is diagnosed when the eGFR is very low (below 15) and the kidneys can no longer adequately filter waste and excess fluid from the body.
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