Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) or polycystic kidney syndrome, a cystic genetic disorder of the kidneys, is characterized by the growth of numerous cysts (non-cancerous round sacs containing water like fluid) in the kidneys. These cysts results in enormous enlargement of kidneys leading to renal failure in most cases. Although the kidneys are usually the most affected organs, this disease can damage liver, pancreas, and in some rare cases, the heart and brain. According to the National Kidney & Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse, about 600,000 people in the United States have PKD and cystic disease is the fourth principal cause of kidney failure.
There exist two types of PKD: autosomal dominant PKD (ADPKD) and autosomal recessive PKD (ARPKD). Of these two types, ADPKD is the most common inherited form of disease. Despite being more common in adults, it also occurs in children. Autosomal dominant PKD refers to that if one parent has the disease; there is a 50% chance that the disease gene may pass to a child; whereas, ARPKD is a rare inherited form of the disease.
Symptoms of Polycystic Kidney Disease
The signs and symptoms of PKD include the following:
- abdominal pain or tenderness
- increase in the size of the abdomen
- blood in the urine
- frequent and excessive urination at night
- flank pain on one or both sides
- headache
- joint pain
- high blood pressure
- nail abnormalities
- kidney stones
- drowsiness
- painful menstruation.
The symptoms cannot be usually felt until the middle age. However, by identifying the symptoms, such as high blood pressure, blood in urine, flank pain, and increase in the size of the abdomen, and approaching your physician may help in providing a better treatment.
Diagnosis of Polycystic Kidney Disease
Ultrasound examination, computerized tomography (CT) scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan and intravenous pyelogram are some of the diagnostic methods to approach which help in the detection of the size and number of kidney cysts as well as in the evaluation of the amount of healthy kidney tissue.
Treatment of Polycystic Kidney Disease
The primary goal of the treatment is to control symptoms and prevent complications. The treatment usually depends on the signs or symptoms that are observed in the patient. To control the symptoms is the most important facet of treatment.
Treatment options may include the following:
- blood pressure medicines
- diuretics
- low-salt diet
- use of antibiotics in case of any urinary tract infection
- in case of end-stage kidney disease, the treatment may include dialysis or kidney transplantation
- the flank pain is often mild and in case of severe pain, one can control it with over-the-counter medications containing acetaminophen
- cysts that are painful, infected, bleeding or causing an obstruction may need to be drained by surgery.
Prevention of Polycystic Kidney Disease
Maintaining kidney health is of utmost importance in order to help prevent some of the complications (high blood pressure, growth of cysts in the liver, colon problems, loss of kidney function) of this disease. Managing your blood pressure is one of the most important ways you can protect your kidneys. Taking the blood pressure medications prescribed by your doctor; consuming plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains; exercising regularly; considering low-salt diet; quitting smoking; and maintaining healthy weight are few ways to maintain your blood pressure.
PKD, a cystic genetic disorder of the kidneys, is characterized by the growth of numerous cysts in the kidneys. Some of the symptoms associated with the disease are high blood pressure, abdominal pain or tenderness, kidney stones, flank pain on one or both sides. Maintaining kidney health is of utmost importance in order to help prevent some of the complications.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only; it should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his/her health should contact a licensed medical professional.
References
National Kidney & Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse, “About Polycystic Kidney Disease” Accessed October 12, 2011
Medline Plus, “Treatment of Polycystic Kidney Disease” Accessed October 12, 2011
Mayo Clinic, “Symptoms and Prevention of Polycystic Kidney Disease” Accessed October 12, 2011
PubMed Health, “Diagnosis of Polycystic Kidney Disease” Accessed October 12, 2011
Lalitha Goteti - I write reliable, high quality, and informative articles. Take a look and you'll believe me.
Join the Conversation