The kidneys are located in the rear part of the abdominal cavity. They filter the waste products that the blood brings, and then send the waste to the urinary bladder from where they are excreted out of the body in the form of urine. If these natural filters of the body do not function properly, it will result in accumulation of waste products in the body; cause electrolyte imbalance (sodium, potassium and chloride salts) and a lethal rise in blood pressure.
Understanding Polycystic Kidney Disease
Cysts are fluid filled sacs that are non cancerous in nature which may get infected causing pain. When clusters of cysts develop within your kidney, the disorder is known as polycystic kidney disease which is a form of inherited disease. This disorder can cause cysts to develop in other parts of the body as well. Polycystic kidney disease is regarded as one of the most common inherited diseases in the United States. Children whose parents have this disease are at 50% risk of getting affected.
People having polycystic kidney disease have high blood pressure and headache. The kidneys are enlarged and there is an increase in the abdomen size. The frequency of urination is increased with blood in the urine. There can be urinary tract infection, kidney infection or presence of kidney stones. Ultimately kidney failure may occur.
Complications
High blood pressure is the most common complication of polycystic kidney disease that results in damage of kidneys and increases the risk of heart disease. By the age of 60 years, 50% of the people with PKD have kidney failure, and by 70 years of age nearly 75% people have kidney failure. In kidney failure, the kidney loses its ability to eliminate waste products from the body. Large cysts may develop in the liver which is seen more in women which may be aided by estrogen hormones in women. In pregnant women, due to high blood pressure caused by polycystic kidney disease, a life threatening condition called preeclampsia may occur. People with PKD, before the age of 50 years, may develop aneurysm (bulging blood vessel) in the brain that can cause hemorrhage, if it ruptures. Sacs or pouches in the walls of colon can occur and there can be chronic pain in the back or at the sides. Abnormalities of the heart valves can also occur as a complication of Polycystic Kidney disease.
Diagnosis
To detect cysts within the kidney, ultrasound is done in which sound waves are passed into the kidney. This captures 3D images of the kidney on to the computer which is then analyzed by the doctor. Another diagnostic procedure used is the CT scan or computerized tomography in which X ray beams are passed through the body to capture cross sectional images of the kidney. MRI scan or magnetic resonance imaging is done in which radio waves and a magnetic field is used to produce cross sectional images of the kidneys. If one of the young family members is preparing to donate a kidney in case of kidney failure of the patient, blood test known as gene linkage analysis is done.
In a pregnant woman who has polycystic kidney disease, the doctor conducts diagnostic procedures like amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling to check if the fetus has been affected by polycystic kidney disease. In chorionic villus sampling, a sample of placenta is taken and tested, while in amniocentesis a small amount of fluid is taken from the womb and tested for polycystic kidney disease.
Treatment
The treatment is aimed at controlling the symptoms and preventing complications. To control high blood pressure, medications like angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors) are used. To control pain, painkiller medication like acetaminophen can be taken over the counter. To treat kidney and bladder infection, antibiotics are prescribed. In case of cysts that form in organs causing pain, drainage of cyst and surgical removal of cyst is done. In case there is kidney failure the treatment consists of dialysis (artificial replacement for lost kidney function) or kidney transplant. If there is blood seen in the urine, drinking lots of water is recommended as water dilutes the urine. In case an aneurysm is detected during screening, clipping of the aneurysm is done surgically to reduce risk of bleeding. A diet that is low in fat, low in sodium with a moderate amount of calories and protein has to be taken to control blood pressure.
Prevention
To prevent polycystic kidney disease, it is very important to keep the kidneys healthy. One needs to keep the blood pressure under control for the health of the kidneys. To control blood pressure one must eat a healthy diet that is low in salt and low in fat. The diet must be rich in fresh vegetables, whole grains and fruits. Smoking should be avoided at all costs as it aggravates the blood pressure. A minimum of 30 minutes physical exercise needs to be done daily. To beat stress, one can take up relaxation techniques like deep breathing and Yoga or pursue a favorite hobby.
