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Polycystic kidney disease (PKD)
Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is an inherited disease that replaces normal kidney tissue with fluid-filled cysts. As a result, over a 30- to 40-year period, the kidney stops working.
Symptoms of polycystic kidney disease include back and side pain, headache, urinary tract infections, and blood in the urine (hematuria).
There is no cure for PKD. Treatment includes antibiotics; medicines and surgery to control pain; and dialysis or kidney transplant to treat kidney failure.
How can you care for polycystic kidney disease?
- Take your medicines exactly as prescribed. Call your doctor if you think you are having a problem with your medicine. You will get more details on the specific medicines your doctor prescribes.
- Work with your doctor and dietitian to set up a diet that will be healthy for you.
- Your doctor may advise you to eat a low-protein diet, although this is not always recommended.
- Eat a low-salt diet to keep your blood pressure at normal levels.
- Your doctor may recommend that you drink extra fluids to help your kidneys flush out the wastes. Be sure to drink the amount of fluid your doctor advises.
- Do not smoke. Smoking raises your risk of many health problems, including kidney damage. If you need help quitting, talk to your doctor about stop-smoking programs and medicines. These can increase your chances of quitting for good.
- Do not take ibuprofen, naproxen, or similar medicines, unless your doctor tells you to. These medicines may make kidney problems worse.
- You will probably feel a variety of emotions about having this disease. Talk to your doctor about joining a support group for people with polycystic kidney disease. It can be very helpful to hear how others have dealt with the same problems.
- Have your family members tested for polycystic kidney disease. This condition runs in families. The disease can be managed better if it is found early.
Polycystic kidney disease: When to call
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
- You passed out (lost consciousness).
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
- You have new or worse nausea and vomiting.
- You have much less urine than normal, or you have no urine.
- You are feeling confused or cannot think clearly.
- You have new or more blood in your urine.
- You have new swelling.
- You are dizzy or lightheaded, or feel like you may faint.
- You have pain in the flank, which is just below the rib cage and above the waist on either side of the back.
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
- You do not get better as expected.
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The content above contains general health information provided by Healthwise, Incorporated, and reviewed by its medical experts. This content should not replace the advice of your healthcare provider. Not all treatments or services described are offered as services by us. For recommended treatments, please consult your healthcare provider.