Polycystic Kidney Disease

Those with a family history of kidney conditions may eventually find themselves diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease. Parents may also have to navigate treatment options for their young children. If you are facing this diagnosis, here is what to expect and know about symptoms and treatment.

What is Polycystic Kidney Disease?

Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a kidney condition characterized by numerous fluid-filled cysts that form in the kidney. Over time, the kidneys can become quite enlarged, with the cysts taking over more and more of the kidneys. Due to the added volume from these cysts and resulting organ damage, the kidneys are eventually unable to function properly.

PKD can also cause secondary issues, like high blood pressure, which is often a first clue to detecting the disease. Left untreated, PKD can cause a continuous decline in kidney function and lead to eventual kidney failure.

Symptoms of Polycystic Kidney Disease

As one can imagine, enlarged organs that are struggling to function normally can lead to some side effects, recognized as symptoms of the condition.

Patients with polycystic kidney disease (PKD) often deal with the following symptoms:

• Back, side, or abdominal pain

• An increase in the size of the abdomen

• A feeling of fullness or bloating

• Difficulty eating

• Blood in the urine

• Frequent urination

• Urinary tract and/or kidney infections 

• Kidney stones

• Headaches

• Joint pain

• Anemia

In addition to these symptoms that affect the kidneys, other organs can also be affected. PKD is known to cause the development of cysts in the liver, pancreas, spleen, and intestines. This condition may also be associated with heart valve abnormalities and brain aneurysms.

In order to diagnose PKD, nephrology doctors may employ physical examinations, blood tests, urinalysis, and CT scans, MRI scans, or ultrasounds of the abdomen. Genetic testing may also be an option for those who have several family members that have already been diagnosed with PKD.

Causes of Polycystic Kidney Disease

PKD is thought to be a hereditary disease, meaning that it is inherited from one’s parents. There are two main types of PKD:

• Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease: most common type that develops in adulthood

• Autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease: a rare, more severe form that affects infants and children

While PKD is generally understood to be a genetic condition, it is also possible for a genetic change to occur spontaneously in a child’s genes, resulting in this condition.

Treating Polycystic Kidney Disease

Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for polycystic kidney disease. But there are treatments. These focus on managing symptoms and complications. Patients with PKD need to work with experienced nephrology doctors who can also address concurrent issues, like high blood pressure. Healthcare providers will likely recommend lifestyle and diet changes that can help patients to maintain a healthy weight, and eliminate risky habits like smoking and the overuse of alcohol.

Infections also need to be tightly controlled and quickly resolved for PKD patients. In general, PKD is typically managed and treated by means of dialysis. At times, a kidney transplant is needed in the case of kidney failure.

Your Local Nephrologist in Akron, Ohio

At Northeast Ohio Nephrology Associates, we are here to help individuals dealing with chronic kidney conditions like polycystic kidney disease, and those who are undergoing dialysis treatment. Our skilled nephrology doctors can help patients to develop personalized treatment plans, providing cutting-edge therapy options and tailored lifestyle modification plans, kidney health education, and general patient support. Contact us today to learn how you can become a patient and begin your journey to better kidney health!