What Is Polycystic Kidney Disease?
It is an inherited disorder characterized by clusters of non cancerous, puss-filled cysts that form within the kidneys. These round sacs or cysts tend to differ in size. They grow progressively larger as they gather more fluid. Polycystic kidney disease causes the kidneys to become enlarged. The disorder can impair the normal functioning of your kidney and can lead to kidney failure.
The disorder, polycystic kidney disease is among the top causes of kidney failure. Around fifty percent of its patients develop cysts in their liver as well.
What Are The Symptoms Of Polycystic Kidney Disease?
Few common symptoms of polycystic kidney disease include:
- Flank pain.
- Joint pain.
- Frequent urination.
- Blood in urine.
- Increase in the abdomen size.
- Kidney infection.
- Urinary tract.
- Kidney failure.
- Kidney stones.
- Drowsiness.
- High blood pressure.
- Headache.
- Nail abnormalities.
- Side or back pain.
- Abdominal tenderness.
- Abdominal pain.
When Is The High Time To Consult A Doctor?
In case you notice any or a combination of the above mentioned symptoms, particularly when any of your first degree relative has polycystic kidney disease, consult your doctor for the screening.
What Causes Polycystic Kidney Disease?
Polycystic kidney disease run in families, which means if any of your parents carries the gene, then you have a good chance to experience the disorder as well. Mostly, PKD is transmitted through an autosomal dominant trait, which means that a single parent with polycystic kidney disease is enough to carry on the gene to his or her children and increasing their chances of PKD for 50%.
What Are The Potential Complications Of Polycystic Kidney Disease?
Few complications associated with polycystic kidney disease include:
- Recurring urinary tract infection.
- Kidney stones.
- Liver failure.
- High blood pressure.
- Anemia.
- Chronic kidney failure.
- Infection of liver cysts.
- Rupture or bleeding of cysts.
Is Polycystic Kidney Disease Preventable?
Unfortunately, there is no proven treatment that can help prevent the formation of cysts within your kidneys.
What Are The Alternative Names Of Polycystic Kidney Disease?
Polycystic kidney disease is also known by the following names:
- Polycystic kidney.
- Kidneys cysts.
How Is Polycystic Kidney Disease Diagnosed?
Specific tests can help identify the amount and size of cysts, including:
- CT scan.
- Ultrasound exam.
- MRI scan.
In case someone from your first degree relatives has polycystic kidney disease, genetic tests can be conducted in order to verify whether or not you carry the disorder’s gene.
How Is Polycystic Kidney Disease Treated?
Its treatment aims to avert complications and control its symptoms. Hypertension can be difficult to control, though managing it tends to be the most crucial part of PKD treatment.
In addition to this, treatment can include:
- Diuretics.
- Blood pressure medicines.
- Low-salt diet.
- In case of urinary tract infection, the doctor can suggest antibiotics.
- For large and painful cysts, doctor can suggest surgery for removing them.
- In case of kidney failure, the doctor can recommend any of the two options,kidney transplant or dialysis.
- For blood in urine, you will be adviced to drink enough liquid.
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By : Natural Health News
