What Is Polycystic Kidney Disease? Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) is a genetic kidney disorder that impacts thousands of individuals within the United States. Many individuals in America are suffering from PKD for years before they even know that they have the disease. Understanding what PKD is, how the disease progresses, and what treatment is available may help patients control the disease early on.
Within this guide, we will cover What Is Polycystic Kidney Disease?, what the causes of the disease are, what symptoms are associated with the disease, how the disease can be diagnosed, and what the treatment options are within the USA.
What Is Polycystic Kidney Disease?
Polycystic Kidney Disease is a chronic condition in which fluid-filled sacs, known as cysts, develop in the kidneys. The cysts grow in number and size, causing the kidneys to enlarge and fail.
Unlike simple kidney cysts that form as a result of aging, PKD is an inherited condition that causes chronic kidney disease or kidney failure.
PKD can affect the kidneys as well as other organs like the liver, pancreas, and blood vessels.
Types of Polycystic Kidney Disease
There are two kinds of PKD found in the United States:
1. Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD)
- The most common form of PKD
- Typically diagnosed in adulthood
- A child has a 50% chance of developing PKD if one parent has the gene
- Symptoms tend to develop between the ages of 30 and 50
2. Autosomal Recessive Polycystic Kidney Disease (ARPKD)
- A very rare and serious type of PKD
- Diagnosis is made in infants or young children
- Both parents must be carriers of the abnormal gene
- Can lead to serious problems with the kidneys and liver in early life
What Causes Polycystic Kidney Disease?
PKD results from genetic mutations that impact the growth of kidney cells. Genetic mutations cause the abnormal growth of cells, resulting in cysts.
Some of the common risk factors include:
- Family history of PKD
- Inheritance of genetic mutations (PKD1 or PKD2 genes)
- Progression of high blood pressure, which affects the growth of cysts
Lifestyle factors are not a cause of PKD, but an unhealthy diet, uncontrolled high blood pressure, and dehydration can accelerate the progression of the disease.
Symptoms of Polycystic Kidney Disease
In many cases, people with PKD do not have symptoms in the early stages of the disease. As the cysts increase in size, the symptoms become more apparent.
Common PKD Symptoms
- Back or side pain
- High blood pressure
- Frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Hematuria (blood in urine)
- Swollen abdomen from enlarged kidneys
- Kidney stones
- Fatigue and weakness
Advanced Symptoms
- Decreased kidney function
- Swelling in feet and ankles
- Shortness of breath
- Loss of appetite
- Chronic kidney failure
It is important to detect PKD early to prevent the progression of the disease.
How Is Polycystic Kidney Disease Diagnosed?
Several tests are conducted by doctors in the USA to diagnose PKD:
Imaging Tests
- Ultrasound (most common and cheapest)
- CT scan or MRI scan to examine the cysts
Blood and Urine Tests
- Kidney function tests (creatinine, GFR)
- Urinalysis to detect blood or protein
Genetic Testing
- Kidney function tests (creatinine, GFR)
- Urinalysis to check for blood or protein in the urine
Treatment Options for Polycystic Kidney Disease
There is no treatment for PKD yet, but it is slowed down by managing the symptoms.
Medical Treatment
- Blood pressure medications (ACE inhibitors or ARBs)
- Pain management
- Antibiotics for infections
- Tolvaptan (FDA-approved drug in the USA to slow cyst growth in some patients)
Lifestyle & Diet Management
- Low-sodium diet
- Adequate fluid intake
- Reduced protein diet (as advised by the doctor)
- Avoid smoking and alcohol
Advanced Treatment
- Dialysis when the kidneys fail
- Kidney transplant for end-stage renal disease
Early treatment can greatly postpone the need for dialysis and transplant.
Can Polycystic Kidney Disease Be Prevented?
As PKD is an inherited disorder, it cannot be completely prevented. But its progression can be delayed with proper management:
- Regular monitoring of kidney function
- Strict blood pressure control
- Healthy and kidney-friendly diet
- Avoiding excessive use of analgesics (NSAIDs)
- Controlling diabetes and heart disease
Genetic counseling is advised for families with a history of PKD.
Living With Polycystic Kidney Disease in the USA
Many Americans with PKD live long, productive lives by following the advice of their physicians and making lifestyle changes. The availability of early diagnosis, advanced imaging, and current treatments in the USA has made a big difference for PKD patients.
Participating in PKD support groups and staying under the care of a nephrologist can help patients cope with both the physical and emotional aspects of PKD.
When to See a Doctor
You should consult a kidney specialist in case of:
- Chronic pain in the kidneys or back
- Family history of PKD
- Early onset of high blood pressure
- Frequent urinary tract infections
Early diagnosis can greatly help in preserving kidney function.
Final Thoughts : What Is Polycystic Kidney Disease
What Is Polycystic Kidney Disease? Polycystic Kidney Disease is a serious but controllable disease if it is discovered early in its development. Understanding what PKD is, how to identify the symptoms, and living a lifestyle that encourages healthy kidneys can help slow the progression of PKD.