Polycystic Kidney Disease Treatment, Symptoms, Causes

Polycystic kidney disease is a disorder of kidneys characterized by the presence of numerous cysts in the kidneys. This is an inherited genetic disease transmitted as an autosomal dominant trait from parents to offspring. Numerous fluid-filled cysts are seen over the surface of the kidney. These cysts enlarge with the passage of time leading to kidney enlargement and if not removed in time with appropriate medical surgery, patient might suffer from kidney failure and ultimately death.

CAUSES OF POLYCYSTIC KIDNEY DISEASE:

Genetic inheritance is one of the most common causes of polycystic kidney disease. Diseased parents transmit the faulty gene to their progeny. Most commonly it is transmitted as an autosomal dominant variety but in some cases, autosomal recessive transmission also occurs. The disease reveals itself in the early adulthood however some people remain symptom free throughout their lives. Autosomal recessive shows more aggressive behavior as it becomes apparent in infancy and childhood. Early child death results because of its abrupt progression to end-stage kidney damage or other serious liver or lung disorder associated with it. Brain and aortic aneurysms, presence of cystic masses in liver, pancreas or testes and colonic diverticula also lead to polycystic kidney disease. Spontaneous gene mutation occurs on account of some harmful environmental factors occurs in small percentage of individuals.

SYMPTOMS OF POLYCYSTIC KIDNEY DISEASE:

Symptomless states in most individuals with polycystic kidneys have been identified. However when they become apparent, important symptoms of polycystic kidney disease are tenderness and abdominal pain, flank pain in one or both sides, nail abnormalities along with polyuria. Patient passes blood in his urine. Kidney stones are identified leading to urinary tract infections and pain in micturition. Patients have chronic high blood pressure along with anemia, abnormality in heart valves, cysts in pancreas or liver, liver failure, aneurysms, diverticulosis, chronic renal disorders and end-stage kidney disease. Nephron becomes full of fluid-filled cysts which detach and put pressure against the adjacent renal parenchyma indirectly affecting the kidney functions. Chronicity leads to phenotypic change in which renal epithelium changes into cystic epithelium and acquire the ability of secreting cystic fluid which is responsible for uncontrolled cystic enlargement.

DIAGNOSIS OF POLYCYSTIC KIDNEY DISEASE:

The diagnosis of polycystic kidney disease requires advanced computerized tests such as CT scans, MRIs and ultrasounds which are performed to confirm the disease and start the treatment as early as possible.

TREATMENT OF POLYCYSTIC KIDNEY DISEASE:

Control of symptoms and prevention of complications is the main focus for the treatment of polycystic kidney disease. Anti-hypertensive agents, low salts in diet, diuretics etc are employed for the control of elevated blood pressure. Antibiotics for infections are given. Cystic drainage of painful, infected ones is recommended. Kidneys with extensive damage due to cystic degeneration are surgically removed and a kidney transplant or dialysis is performed. Polycystic kidney disease herbal product is considered as a drug of choice to control and prevent the sign and symptoms associated with this disorder. The herbal product has no side effect and cures the underlying cause with miraculous recovery of kidney functions to normal.