Polycystic Kidney Disease Explained: Causes and Treatment

Introduction

Polycystic Kidney Disease Explained is a very critical topic to learn for those people who want to understand the inherited kidney disorder. kidney disease (PKD) is a disease in which many cysts appear in the kidneys, causing them to expand and eventually lose their function. It is a progressive disease but learning about the disease will allow diagnosing and treatment.

What Is Polycystic Kidney Disease?

Polycystic kidney disease is a genetic disease where several cysts appear in the kidney or both kidneys. Cysts are sacs which contain fluid and their number and size may increase with time. They make kidneys enlarged and cause the destruction of the normal kidney tissues leading to the loss of kidney functions.

There are two major types of this disease: autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) and autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD). ADPKD is the most common form of PKD developing mostly in adults. Whereas ARPKD is much rare, appearing in children.

Causes of Polycystic Kidney Disease

Inherited genetic mutation is the major cause of PKD. ADPKD is normally passed through generations to offspring from one affected parent. ARPKD occurs where both parents have the disease-causing genes.

Whereas genetics plays a big role in this condition, a number of factors may affect the progress of the disease, including:

Worse managed diabetes

  Recurrent kidney infection

Having family history of kidney disease

Medical checkup can assist in tracking the progress of the condition and preventing complications.

Polycystic Kidney Disease Symptoms

Not many people have symptoms at early stage of the condition. With time as the cysts grow bigger, various symptoms may arise, such as:

Recurrence of urinary tract infection

Development of kidney stones

Swelling of abdomen area

Often need for urination

Tiredness

Other symptoms of chronic kidney disease may also occur due to poor functioning of kidneys.

How Is Polycystic Kidney Disease Diagnosed?

PKD is diagnosed by combining medical history, physical exam, and diagnostic tests. An ultrasound is typically used in the detection of kidney cysts because it is noninvasive. Some patients require CT or MRI scans for a detailed view of the kidneys.

Tests of the blood and urine allow determining the condition of the kidneys and the complications arising from it. Genetic testing can also be recommended in case of a positive family history of the disease.

Treatment of Polycystic Kidney Disease

There is no cure for PKD, but treatment allows slowing the progress of the disease and relieving its symptoms and complications.

The most common ways to treat this illness include:

Medications to reduce hypertension

Pain relief when necessary

Treatment of infections of the kidneys or the urinary tract

Drinking more water under the supervision of a healthcare specialist

Medications to slow down the growth of the cysts in some patients

Dialysis and kidney transplant in case of severe kidney disease

This list is not definitive; the specific treatment depends on a number of factors.

Tips for Healthy Living with PKD

There are ways through which people can live healthy lives that can protect kidney functioning. These include drinking enough water, eating right foods for the kidneys, consuming less amounts of salt, maintaining healthy weight, engaging in physical activity, stopping smoking, and minimizing the intake of alcoholic drinks. It is equally important to undergo routine tests done by a kidney doctor in the management of PKD.

Conclusion

Polycystic Kidney Disease Explained will enable individuals to know when they are suffering from this kidney disorder. Even though there is no cure for PKD, diagnosis and proper treatment can be helpful in slowing down the process of the disease. If one is from a family that suffers from PKD or shows any symptoms of the disease, he or she should visit a doctor.