Constipation is defined as having less than three bowel movements a week. The
stools are usually dry, small, hard and difficult to expel. People with this
problem often feel bloated, full and have painful bowel movements. Can PKD cause
constipation?
Individuals with Polycystic Kidney Disease have multiple cysts grow in the
kidneys. A cyst is a small fluid-filled circular ball. They vary is size from a
pinhead to a table tennis ball (2cm). Each cyst is a ballooning up of tiny tubes
that are normally found in the kidneys. Ultimately, the kidneys may become very
enlarged and the cysts take over the healthy kidney tissue. When this happens,
the kidney can't continue to function and complications rapidly follow.
A complication of PKD is diverticulae in which the large bowel can develop
outpouchings in the wall. They can result in variation in bowel habit with
discomfort, such as constipation and diarrhoea. What can you do to deal with the
condition?
▪ Increase the daily intake of fiber. High-fiber foods include fruit, and
vegetables, etc. The specific amount varies with different illness condition.
You can consult our online experts for an exact answer.
▪ Avoid foods that are high in fat and sugar.
▪ Avoid dehydration by drinking plenty of water.
▪ Get regular exercise by going for a daily walk or run.
▪ Go when you feel the urge. The bowels send signals when a stool need to
pass. If a person ignore the signal, the urge will go away and the stool will
finally become dry and difficult to pass.
Since the gastrointestinal symptoms like constipation, nausea, vomiting,
diarrhea occur from compression by the enlarged kidneys, patients with PKD
should take prompt treatment to stop the growth of the cysts and shrink them in
size gradually. If the underlying problem is solved, the symptoms will disappear
naturally.