People with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have damaged kidneys which affect how their kidneys filter the blood compared to someone with healthy kidneys. When the kidneys don't function properly, toxic waste and excess fluid buildup in the body lead to complications such as high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and early death. More than 1 in 7 that is 15% of U.S. adults or 37 million people, are estimated to have CKD. However, with proper treatment and care, people with CKD and those at the risk of developing CKD can protect their kidneys.
Among these types of kidney diseases, polycystic kidney disease is a serious condition that should not be ignored. Read on to learn more about this condition.
See Also: Factors That May Put You at Risk for Chronic Kidney Disease
The genetic disorder polycystic kidney disease (PKD) causes cysts to form in the kidneys, causing them to malfunction. High blood pressure and kidney failure are two health problems that PKD can cause, making dialysis or a kidney transplant the only treatment option at some point. PKD affects about 500,000 people in the U.S.
This is the most common type of PKD. This disease can be passed from parent to child and is mostly diagnosed between the ages of 30 to 50.
This is a rare form of PKD, also known as infantile PKD. This kidney disease can lead to abnormal kidney development in infants, inside the womb, or soon after birth.
Genetic mutations are one of the major causes of this kidney disease. PKD can affect people of all ages, races, and ethnicities, and it affects both men and women equally.
Common symptoms of PKD include:
This kidney disease is often clinically silent, with only about half of cases being diagnosed throughout a person's lifetime.
The goal of polycystic disease treatment is to slow the growth of cysts and kidney damage. Here is a list of treatment options for this disease:
Infants may need mechanical ventilation if they have underdeveloped lungs and breathing problems. They may even require the insertion of tubes for feeding and breathing.
In case of kidney failure, you may need dialysis. Hemodialysis dialysis and peritoneal dialysis are the two dialysis methods generally used.
Control your blood pressure with medicine, diet, and exercise. Your chances of getting heart disease and stroke will decrease significantly.
A kidney transplant becomes necessary if your PKD has reached end-stage kidney failure. Here, your failing kidney will be replaced with a healthy kidney of a donor.
It is always necessary to stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water so that your kidney can filter the waste without much trouble.
Contact your doctor if you have PKD and are:
See Also: When to Know It’s Time to Consult a Nephrologist
Seek immediate medical attention if you are having any of the symptoms mentioned above. With proper treatment, your PKD can improve significantly. At Kidney Physicians of Indiana, we provide comprehensive treatment and care to our patients. Our board-certified nephrology physicians specialize in diagnosing and treating various types of kidney disease.
If you are suffering from kidney diseases and looking for the best nephrologist near me, contact us today. We have a team of some of the best nephrology specialists in Indianapolis, IN, who is always ready to help you.
