What is polycystic kidney disease?
PKD is an inherited kidney disorder in which numerous cysts (water-filled sacs) form in the kidneys. These cysts cause an increase in the size of the kidneys and reduce their functional tissue.
PKD is passed down through families.
Symptoms of polycystic kidney disease
There are cases in which the symptoms are so mild that people are not aware of the disorder. In other cases, the following symptoms are experienced:
- Flank pain (on one or both sides).
- Abdominal tenderness or pain
- Blood in the urine and excessive nighttime urination
- High blood pressure
- Colicky pain caused by kidney stones
- Drowsiness
- Nail abnormalities
What are the causes of polycystic kidney disease?
As mentioned above, the disorder is passed from parent to child. In any case, polycystic kidney disease is associated with the following conditions:
- Aortic or cerebral aneurysms.
- Cysts in the liver, testicles and pancreas
- Colon diverticula
About 50% of people with PKD have cysts in the liver.
Can it be prevented?
There is no solution to prevent polycystic kidney disease. As it is an inherited congenital anomaly, the risk of transmission can be calculated if any of your relatives have had it.
What does the treatment consist of?
Treatment is aimed at controlling symptoms and preventing complications. It can be treated with
- Blood pressure medications
- Diuretics
- Low-salt diet
Infected cysts that bleed or cause obstruction may also need to be drained.
Usually there are a large number of cysts and it is not practical to remove them one by one. Sometimes surgery to remove one or both kidneys is necessary.