Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD)
Introduction:
Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) is a genetic condition that involves the formation of cysts in the kidneys from the cells. As cysts increase in number and size, the kidney structure and function decreases. PKD is a hereditary condition. Families are advised to seek care for genetic risks associated with PKD in order to help minimize complications associated with kidney health.
If you or a family member has/have PKD, early administration of a management plan will help provide symptom relief and reduce long-term complications. Regular follow up is recommended as well.
Regal Hospital, Bangalore, provides nephrological and urological care tailored to the patient’s needs as well as dialysis, kidney biopsy and transplant services along with the support of multiple specialties.
What Is Polycystic Kidney Disease?
Polycystic kidney disease involves the formation of multiple cysts in the kidneys that are typically filled with fluid. As the cysts grow, they interfere with the kidney’s ability to filter waste and fluid from the blood. PKD should not be confused with a single or simple kidney cyst. PKD involves multiple cysts and is commonly associated with an inherited genetic condition. Simple kidney cysts are typically harmless.
Insight into Genetic Risk for PKD
Changes in particular genes result in PKD.
Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD)
ADPKD is the most common. Someone with an affected gene can pass it to their children. Family members of a parent with this condition may need to assess their risk with a practitioner. Although, the severity of PKD can range in a family, and having this family history does not dictate the progression of the condition in an individual.
Autosomal Recessive Polycystic Kidney Disease (ARPKD)
This less common form can present in children and may be associated with more severe renal and systemic concerns early in life.
Families with a known history of PKD may be counseled and directed to available resources relating to testing and family history. A nephrologist may assist with the determination of necessary evaluations.
What Symptoms are Associated with PKD?
PKD can be asymptomatic in the early stages. In fact, the condition is sometimes diagnosed during an ultrasound or other imaging ordered for other, unrelated, reasons.
Possible symptoms include:
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Back or side pain
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Bloating or pain in the abdomen
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High blood pressure
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Blood in urine
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Urinary Tract Infections that happen frequently
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The urge to pee more often than usual
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Headaches that happen due to high blood pressure
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For some, kidney stones
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Kidney function is lower than it should be
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Pain
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Blood in the urine
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There can be many different reasons for these symptoms. They should not be assumed to be due to PKD until a doctor confirms it.
There are kidney specialists that can give you suggestions and provide you with next steps if you have been told that you have many kidney cysts or if you have family history of this inherited kidney disease.
When Should You Seek Urgent Medical Care?
People with known kidney disease should know that some of these symptoms require urgent medical care.
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Severe or sudden pain in back, side or abdomen
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Urinary pain or symptoms that happen with fever
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Vomiting that happens often
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Blood in urine that happens often or a lot
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You are unable to pee
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Pain that happens with infection symptoms
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Your kidney symptoms are worse than before
These symptoms may happen with an infection, bleeding, a blockage in the urinary system, a kidney stone, or other reasons that need care right away.
For symptoms that happen suddenly and are severe, do not wait for medical care. In Bangalore and North Bangalore, patients can get care based on how severe their symptoms are.
How Is PKD Diagnosed?
Your doctor may do several tests to diagnose suspected polycystic kidney disease.
Medical and Family History
Because PKD is hereditary, the doctor may ask if family members have had cysts, kidney failure, undergone dialysis, or have a diagnosis of PKD.
Ultrasound
An ultrasound is a non-invasive exam that helps locate cysts in the kidneys and also helps the radiologist count and measure the cysts.
CT Scan or MRI
A structural examination of the kidney and surrounding structures may be better evaluated with a CT or MRI.
Blood and Urine Tests
A blood test can provide information on kidney function, while a urine test may show if there is blood, infection or other abnormalities.
Genetic Testing
In some cases, genetic testing may be an option, depending on the kidney doctor’s opinion and the family history.
Polycycstic Kidney Disease Treatment and Ongoing Care
There is no treatment for all the symptoms of Polycystic Kidney Disease. Treatment covers slowing the progression of the disease, optimal management of symptoms, control of contributing risk factors, and a plan for required adjustments to existing treatment.
High Blood Pressure
Maintaining optimal control of blood pressure is essential in all cases of Polycystic Kidney Disease as it can worsen and damage the kidneys. It may require monitoring of blood pressure, changes in lifestyle and in some cases, medication.
Evaluating Pain and Related Issues
Pain can be caused by a lot of things such as enlarged cysts, bleeding, infection, kidney stones, and others. The pain may suggest the presence and the cause should be identified and treated.
Other conditions, such as urinary infections and the presence of blood in the urine or kidney stones, may also require specific treatment.
Medication
Blood pressure, the state of the kidneys, pain, and infection are some of the factors that prompt the nephrologist to prescribe medication. Some patients may also be evaluated for therapies designed to help manage disease progression when appropriate.
Never start or stop medication without consulting a doctor, particularly if kidney function has been reduced.
Healthy Lifestyle and Kidney Care
Some habits promote the health of the kidneys. Your doctor will advise you on:
Maintaining healthy blood pressure
Following a prescribed diet
Managing your salt intake
Exercising within the guidelines advised
Achieving and maintaining a healthy body weight
Quitting smoking
Following the doctor’s orders regarding medications
Avoiding the use of medicines that are harmful to the kidneys
Fluid intake and dietary recommendations should be personalized. People with kidney disease should avoid giving general advice to themselves about diet.
Advance Kidney Care
When kidney function starts to decline, the care will need to be advanced. It may include:
Management of the kidney related issues
Management of kidney related issues and preparation for kidney transplant
Nephrology care and monitoring
Dialysis
Regal Hospital has services for kidneys and associated issues such as nephrology, dialysis, kidney biopsy, kidney transplant, urology, emergency care and multispecialty service.
Practices for Recovery, Monitoring, and Long-Term Avoidance of Complications
Since PKD is a lifelong condition, efforts to manage the disease focus on routine monitoring and decreasing the risk of developing complications as much as possible.
Follow-up comprises monitoring of:
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blood pressure
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kidney function
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urine abnormalities
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cyst-related symptoms
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infections
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medication requirements
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health and wellness and associated lifestyle factors
Though we cannot alter the genetic cause of PKD, routine monitoring allows doctors to identify changes in kidney function that warrant intervention.
For persons living in Thanisandra, Hennur, Yelahanka, Hebbal, Tirumanahalli, and other areas comprising North Bangalore, routine interaction with a qualified kidney specialist facilitates better and more convenient follow-up care.
Why Regal Hospital?
Managing a chronic kidney disease requires a long-term partnership with a healthcare team.
At Regal Hospital, we offer a range of comprehensive services that include:
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Nephrology and Urology Services
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Patients can choose to have their kidney and urinary issues evaluated and managed.
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Advanced Kidney Care Services
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Our full range of services includes dialysis, kidney biopsy, kidney transplantation, and nephrology care.
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Multispecialty Care
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Because PKD is a multisystem disease, we offer comprehensive kidney care.
North Bangalore and Surrounding Areas
Persons seeking urology services or a nephrology hospital in North Bangalore can receive specialized care for their kidney-related problems and long-term care.
If you have a relative with PKD, a family history of PKD or if you have multiple kidney cysts concerns or if you are worried about your kidney function, go ahead and book your medical evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is polycystic kidney disease hereditary?
Yes, most forms of PKD are inherited. The most common type, autosomal dominant PKD, tends to run in the family. A nephrologist can provide information about family history and screening.
- Can PKD be cured?
PKD is a chronic condition, so there is no cure for polycystic kidney disease. However, identification and control of PKD reduce complications and help manage the kidneys.
- What is the difference between kidney cysts and PKD?
A person can have simple kidney cysts without PKD. PKD is a hereditary condition that usually affects more than one kidney and can progressively worsen; so a doctor can help determine the relevance of kidney cysts through a proper assessment.
- Is it necessary to see a PKD specialist in Bangalore?
If you have persistent side pain, back pain, blood in your urine, high blood pressure, or recurring urinary tract infections, then you should also consider seeing a kidney specialist.
- Do patients with PKD eventually require kidney transplants or dialysis?
There are some individuals with PKD that progress to the evolving stages, where kidney function declines, resulting in the need for either dialysis or a kidney transplant. There is a lot of variability of the progression from individual to individual. Following these individuals ensures that the decline is known and managed.
Book an Appointment with a Kidney Specialist
If you have PKD cysts, a family history of PKD, or have a variety of symptoms that come and go, it is critical to have medical care to diagnose and outline the treatment you are eligible to receive.
Book an Appointment with Regal Hospital
Call us today: +91 888 405 8888
Visit us: Near Thanisandra-Yelahanka Road, Bengaluru
Learn more: www.regalhospital.com
