Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a genetic illness in which cyst clusters form primarily in the kidneys, causing them to expand and lose function and quality of life. Cysts are squamous cell fluid-filled circular sacs. The cysts differ in size and can get quite enormous. Many cysts or big cysts might cause renal injury. Cysts can form in your liver and other body parts due to polycystic kidney disease. High blood pressure and renal failure are two significant consequences of the condition. The seriousness of PKD varies widely and some consequences can be avoided. Complications to your kidneys may be lessened with lifestyle modifications and therapies.
What are PKD and its symptoms?
The complete form of PKD is polycystic kidney disease. Multiple cysts occur in the kidneys due to polycystic kidney disease. These cysts are fluid-filled. The kidneys can be injured if there are too many cysts or if they are too large. Cysts caused by PKD can gradually replace a large portion of the kidneys, lowering renal function and eventually leading to renal failure. PKD can harm organs other than the kidney. Cysts in the ovaries, spleen, pancreas, liver, and gastrointestinal. Cysts in these organs rarely cause significant issues, but they can in some individuals. PKD can impact the brain and the heart. Aneurysms can occur If PKD affects the brain.
One of the most frequent genetic diseases is polycystic kidney disease. In the United States, about 500,000 people have PKD. 1. One in every 400 to 1,000 people has PKD and one in every 20,000 children has polycystic kidney disease. Some People of all races, ages, and ethnicities are affected by polycystic kidney disease. Women and males are both affected by the condition.
Symptoms:
Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) symptoms can include:
- Headaches
- High Blood pressure
- Burning and blood in Urine
- Renal failure
- Urinary tract or Renal infection
- kidney stones
- Side or Back pain
- The feeling of fullness in the abdomen
- Uneasiness in body
Types of polycystic kidney disease:
There are three types of PKD:
- Autosomal Dominant PKD (also known as PKD or ADPKD) is a kind of Parkinson’s disease inherited from both parents. Another way, the disease can be caused by just one copy of the faulty gene. Symptoms typically appear between the ages of 30 and 40, but they can appear earlier, perhaps as early as childhood. The most prevalent type of PKD is ADPKD. ADPKD accounts for almost 90% of all PKD cases.
- Infantile or Autosomal Recessive PKD (also known as ARPKD) is a recessive disease passed down from parent to child. Symptoms can appear as early as the first few months of life, even in the womb.
- Acquired Cystic Kidney Disease has developed (also called ACKD). Because ACKD can cause long-term damage and extensive scarring in the kidneys, it is frequently linked to renal failure and dialysis. Approximately 90% of persons who have been on dialysis for five years acquire ACKD. When people with ACKD discover blood in their urine, they seek medical care. Because cysts bleed into the urinary system, urine becomes discoloured.
What is the treatment for PKD?
PKD can harm organs other than the kidney. Cysts in the ovaries, spleen, pancreas, liver, and gastrointestinal. Cysts in these organs rarely cause significant issues, but they can in some individuals. PKD can impact the brain and the heart. There is currently no cure for Polycystic kidney disease. However, extensive research is underway. According to recent research, drinking plain water throughout the day and avoiding caffeine-containing liquids can help to reduce cyst growth. The genetic foundation of PKD is also being studied through research.
Some medications appear to reduce the progression of kidney disease in people with Polycystic kidney disease, but further research is needed before they may be used in patients. Meanwhile, several supportive treatments are available to assist control symptoms, decrease cyst growth, and prevent or slow renal function loss in persons with PKD. Among them are:
- cautious blood pressure management, quick antibiotic treatment of a bladder or kidney infection
- When the blood in the urine is first noticed, drink plenty of water and take pain medication (talk to your doctor about which over-the-counter medicines are safe to take if you have kidney disease)
- a healthy lifestyle that includes quitting smoking, exercising, losing weight, and consuming less salt
- avoiding caffeine in all beverages and drinking enough plain water throughout the day.
Conclusion
Polycystic Kidney Disease is a genetic disorder that affects the kidneys. The disease causes cysts to form in the kidneys and can lead to kidney failure. If you have Polycystic Kidney Disease, you may have to go on dialysis to remove waste from the blood and even need a kidney transplant. Diet and exercise can help you slow the progression of the disease and preserve kidney function. The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs located below the rib cage in the middle of the back. They filter wastes and extra fluid from the blood and make urine. The kidneys also help control blood pressure.