.png)
.jpg)
If you’ve had a kidney function test, you’ve likely seen a result called eGFR — short for estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate. It’s one of the most important indicators of how well your kidneys are working, especially for detecting early signs of chronic kidney disease (CKD).
💡 What Is eGFR?
eGFR is a number calculated from your blood creatinine level, age, sex, and other factors. It estimates how efficiently your kidneys are filtering waste products from your blood — one of their main jobs.
A higher eGFR generally indicates healthy kidney function, while a lower number may signal reduced kidney performance. Typically, a value above 90 is considered normal (when no other issues are present), while values under 60 for three months or more suggest possible chronic kidney disease.
🧪 Why Is eGFR So Important?
eGFR allows doctors to:
-
Detect kidney problems early, often before any symptoms appear
-
Assess the severity of kidney disease
-
Guide treatment decisions, such as when to start medications or consider dialysis
-
Monitor disease progression over time
Because kidney disease can progress quietly, regular eGFR testing is especially important if you have conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of kidney problems.
🍎 Can You Improve or Maintain Your eGFR?
While eGFR may not drastically improve, you can slow its decline and protect your kidneys by:
-
Managing underlying conditions like diabetes and hypertension
-
Following a kidney-friendly diet
-
Avoiding overuse of painkillers like ibuprofen
-
Drinking enough water (based on your doctor’s advice)
-
Seeing a nephrologist regularly
🩺 When to Consult a Kidney Specialist
If your eGFR is consistently below 60 or your doctor suspects kidney issues, it’s essential to seek expert care. A nephrologist can help determine the cause and create a personalized treatment plan.
Concerned about your eGFR or kidney health? Get expert care from the best kidney specialist in Mumbai and take the right steps toward protecting your kidneys.