A hereditary disorder of the kidneys in which clusters of cysts develop mainly within the kidneys is called polycystic kidney disease (PKD). It provokes enlargement of the kidneys and reduced function. These cysts are not malignant (cancerous) but contain fluid and vary in size. However, kidney cysts can grow very large. Either large or many cysts often lead to kidney damage.
Furthermore, these cysts can develop in the liver and anywhere in the body. If you do not get treatment for this health problem, it may lead to serious complications (such as kidney failure, hypertension, and others). Although it is a serious health condition, some complications can be prevented. Damage to the kidneys can be reduced with lifestyle changes and proper treatment.
Symptoms
- Kidney stones
- Urinary tract or kidney infections
- Headaches
- Enlargement of the kidneys which causes increased size of the abdomen
- Feeling of fullness
- Bloody urine
- Back pain
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Kidney failure
Commonly, people with PKD cannot have this health problem without knowing it for years. If you develop any of the previous symptoms, immediately contact your healthcare professional.
Causes
There are some abnormal genes that provoke PKD. In other words, this condition usually begins in families. However, rarely this disease can occur due to a sudden gene mutation without having a parent with this mutated gene. Check below the primary types of PKD:
- Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) – This PKD type usually appears between 30-40 years old. Previously this condition was known as adult PKD but children also can develop this health problem. If one biological parent has this mutated gene it is enough for it to pass to the children. This type is one of the most common PKD forms.
- Autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD) – This PKD form is less common than the previous one. Usually, the symptoms occur after birth but sometimes they can happen later in childhood or during adolescence. Children have 25% of getting this disease only if both parents carry this mutated gene.
What Are The Possible Complications of PKD?
Check below some complications usually associated with polycystic kidney disease:
- Hypertension – This is one of the most common PKD complications and if it is not treated it may lead to heart disease and strokes.
- Kidney function loss – This is considered one of the most dangerous complications of polycystic kidney disease. Moreover, approximately 50% of people with PKD have kidney failure by age 60. In addition, this condition negatively affects the kidney’s ability to remove waste and toxins from the blood, which may lead to uremia. The only treatment possible in people with an end-stage PKD is kidney dialysis or transplant.
- Chronic pain – This is another common complication that happens in the side or back. However, back or side chronic pain also can be linked to kidney stones, urinary tract infections, and others. Discuss with your physicians for more details.
- Liver cysts – The risk of this complication elevates with aging. Although men and women can develop these cysts, females can develop larger ones. Other factors that may contribute to large liver cysts in women are hormones and multiple pregnancies.
- Brain aneurysm – Those who suffer from PKD are at higher risk of developing aneurysm. When it occurs a bulge in the blood vessel (aneurysm) develops in the brain and causes bleeding (hemorrhage). Regular screenings are recommended to make sure you do not have this complication.
- Pregnancy complications – Mostly, females with polycystic kidney disease can become pregnant but sometimes they can develop a life-threatening disease known as preeclampsia.
- Heart valve problems – Approximately 1 in 4 adults with PKD develop mitral valve prolapse. When this heart valve condition happens, the valve cannot close properly which causes blood to lead backward.
- Colon problems – There is an increased risk of experiencing weaknesses and sacs in the colon walls by people with polycystic kidney disease.
How to Prevent Polycystic Kidney Disease?
The only way to prevent this condition for your children is to make sure you do not have this mutated gene. However, it is recommended to manage your blood pressure to prevent damage to the kidneys. Check below some tips to keep your blood pressure within normal ranges:
- You can use blood pressure medicines but never take any medicines without a doctor’s recommendation because it may lead to unpleasant outcomes.
- Add in your diet fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Try to get and maintain a healthy weight.
- Quit smoking or never start
- Regular exercise
- Limit or avoid alcoholic beverages
Diagnosis
Doctors usually diagnose PKD by performing the following tests. Examples include:
- Ultrasound – This test uses sound waves to produce images of your kidneys.
- CT scan – These scans also make images of your kidneys but use X-ray beams.
- MRI scan – It helps doctors get cross-sectional views of the kidneys.
Moreover, previous tests can be used by doctors to diagnose different health problems not PKD only.
Treatment
The severity of PKD varies among patients. Commonly, end-stage PKD occurs in people between 55-65 years old. However, some people may never develop an end-stage polycystic kidney disease. The treatment goal is to get rid of PKD complications and lessen the symptoms. For example:
- Kidney cyst growth – In such cases, doctors recommend therapies and medications. Physicians often prescribe Tolvaptan, which helps to slow down the disease progression and maintain kidney function.
- Hypertension – It is advised to control blood pressure because it also prevents PKD progression and slows kidney damage over time. While sometimes lifestyle changes are enough to control blood pressure, doctors may prescribe some medicines when diet does not help. These include angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs).
- Reduced kidney function – A low-salt diet, drinking plenty of water, and maintaining a healthy weight can prevent a decline in kidney function and slow cyst growth. Talk with your doctor for more details.
- Pain – Commonly, nonprescription medicines with Acetaminophen help to reduce pain. If you experience chronic pain you may need surgery to remove the cysts.
- Bladder or kidney infections – These infections also can damage the kidneys. Healthcare providers treat most infections with antibiotics. However, do not administer any medicines without a doctor’s approval.
- Bloody urine – If you notice blood in the urine, you should increase your water intake significantly because it will help to dilute the urine.
- Kidney failure – In such cases, kidneys do not work and the only way to treat this complication is kidney dialysis or transplant.
- Aneurysms – If your doctor identifies an aneurysm you may need surgery to reduce the risk of bleeding but it depends on the aneurysm size. Noninvasive treatments involve management of high blood pressure and cholesterol and quitting smoking.
The most effective way to slow down the disease progression and prevent complications is early diagnosis and treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to cure PKD?
However, there is no way to cure polycystic kidney disease but with proper treatment, you can prevent complications, lessen the symptoms, and improve your quality of life.
What are the main symptoms of PKD?
These include:
- Kidney stones or failure
- Enlargement of the kidneys
- Bloody urine
- Hypertension
- Back or side pain
If you experience any of the symptoms listed above, contact your healthcare professional right away.
What is the best medicine used to treat PKD?
In most cases, doctors prescribe Tolvaptan to slow the cyst growth and protect kidney function. However, blood pressure medicines also are often recommended (such as ACE inhibitors and ARBs). Ask your doctor if you have additional questions.
