Food turning your stomach, mouth tasting like pennies? Uremia builds toxins, mimicking flu but signaling crisis. End-stage hallmark, but early catches via creatinine spikes.
Savor meals again with binders. BUN/creatinine tests alert; over 20 mg/dL BUN? Pivot quick. These signs interconnect—ignore one, risk all.
Key Tests to Catch It Early – Your Dialysis Dodge Plan
| Test | What It Checks | Why It Helps Avoid Dialysis | Normal Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| eGFR (Blood) | Filtration rate via creatinine | Spots decline early; <60 flags stage 3 CKD | >90 mL/min |
| uACR (Urine) | Protein leak (albumin) | Catches damage before function drops; <30 mg/g ideal | <30 mg/g |
| Urinalysis | Blood, protein, infection | Detects foam/blood causes; quick office dip | No protein/blood |
| Serum Creatinine | Waste buildup | Tracks progression; rising levels prompt action | 0.6-1.2 mg/dL |
| Electrolytes (Blood) | Potassium, phosphorus balance | Prevents cramps/itch; imbalances signal urgency | Varies by mineral |
These aren’t invasive—blood draws and pee cups, done annually. eGFR and uACR duo detects 90% of early cases. You might think, “I’m fine—why bother?” One test changed retiree Maria’s path: uACR at 45 led to BP meds, staving off stage 4 for years.
Strategies to Slow CKD – Reclaim Control Without Machines
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