Polycystic Kidney Disease, also known as PKD, is a genetic disease in which
clusters of fluid-filled cysts develop on and around the kidneys. Kidney damage
can be caused if there are too large or too numerous cysts. The first noticeable
signs of this condition often do not develop until a person is in their 30s or
40s. Signs and symptoms of Polycystic Kidney Disease are as below.
1. High blood pressure
High blood pressure is the most common symptom of Polycystic Kidney Disease.
Some patients discover this disease with a diagnosis of high blood pressure. In
turn, hypertension can lead to kidney damage, so it is important to bring blood
pressure into a healthy range.
2. Back or side pain
Due to the presence of the cysts, the kidneys become larger. In some cases,
patients experience pain in the back or side as a result of the disease. Some
people with PKD may notice increase in the size of the abdomen.
3. Urinary changes
People with Polycystic Kidney Disease may suffer from frequent or recurrent
urinary tract infection. Those who also have kidney stones may detect blood in
their urine. Frequent urination is also associated with this disorder.
4. Headache
Headache is also a sign of Polycystic Kidney Disease which may often by
ignored because headaches may commonly happen in many other conditions.
Besides, approximately 1/4 of patients with PKD may have a floppy valve in
the heart, which can cause a fluttering feeling in the chest and may also lead
to chest pain.
The above is about signs and symptoms of Polycystic Kidney Disease. If you
detect some of the symptoms, you had better go to see your doctor to make sure
the causes of them. For those who have family history of this disease, you need
to screen for this disorder carefully.