Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) is mainly a genetic disease-causing growth of cysts inside the kidney. The cysts are basically fluid-filled sacs which interfere with filtration of waste products. PKD may either be inherited from the family or mutation based. A person with PKD is seen to have abnormal kidney shape as well as function.

People suffering from PKD may also have the risk of affecting other vital organs including liver, pancreas, prostate, spleen, and intestinal areas. In many severe cases it has been found to affect the brain causing aneurysm and heart related problems.

Human Polycystic Kidney Disease

Furthermore, PKD increases the risk for other types of chronic kidney disease (CKD) such as kidney failure and end-stage renal disease (ESRD). However, PKD is equally common in both male and female of all ages. PKD being genetic in nature, specialists may term them either autosomal dominant or autosomal recessive. Symptoms are not visible until the cysts grow in size.

Signs And Symptoms

  • Pain in the backside
  • Blood in urine
  • Pain or irritation while urinating
  • High blood pressure
  • Infections of the kidney and bladder
  • Frequent pounding of the chest
  • Abnormal shape of kidney amongst the newborn

Diagnosis And Treatment

PKD is diagnosed by doing certain procedures and tests such as ultrasound scan, MRI and CT scans or genetic tests.

There is still no permanent treatment for PKD, but doctors advise for certain changes in lifestyle including healthy eating habits, follow a low salt diet, regular checking of blood pressure and blood sugars, maintaining weight, restricting alcohol, quit smoking and being physically active.