Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is an inherited disorder in which clusters of noncancerous, fluid-filled sacs (cysts) develop within the kidneys. The cysts vary in size and, as they accumulate more fluid, they can grow very large. Although kidneys usually are the most severely affected organs, polycystic kidney disease can cause cysts to develop elsewhere in the body, too. The disease causes a variety of serious complications.
Symptoms
PKD usually affects both kidneys. The symptoms include abdominal or flank pain, blood in the urine (caused by blood vessels breaking in the cysts), kidney stones, and recurring bladder or kidney infections. High blood pressure is very common, occurring in about 50 percent of all people who have the disease. However, not everyone who has one of more of these symptoms has PKD. A high proportion of PKD patients develop kidney failure, which may require dialysis treatments or a kidney transplant.
Self-care for polycystic kidney disease
Be guided by your doctor but self-care suggestions may generally include:
Changing your diet – this may help to manage some symptoms. Dietary changes may include reducing salt, protein, cholesterol (fats) and caffeine. Dietary changes should be made only after discussion with your doctor or dietitian and will depend on your test results.
Making healthier lifestyle choices – for example, participate in regular and moderate physical activity and maintain an appropriate weight for your height and build. Not smoking is strongly advised.
Avoiding non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) – these should not be taken without medical advice as they can worsen kidney function.
Your doctor will give you detailed instructions on how to best take care of yourself. Follow these instructions carefully.
These are just above the basic symptoms of Polycystic Kidney Disease in patients with a brief description, if you are not just limited to articles of these things, you want to consult experts in something more, you can send what you want advice or want to know what to kidney-support@hotmail.com this email, we will within 24 hours to give you a professional answer.