The Symptoms of PKD

Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a genetic disorder characterized by the growth of numerous cysts in the kidneys. The kidneys are two organs, each about the size of a fist, located in the upper part of a person's abdomen, toward the back. The kidneys filter wastes and extra fluid from the blood to form urine. They also regulate amounts of certain vital substances in the body. When cysts form in the kidneys, they are filled with fluid. PKD cysts can profoundly enlarge the kidneys while replacing much of the normal structure, resulting in reduced kidney function and leading to kidney failure.

Symptoms

Abdominal pain or tenderness

Blood in the urine

Excessive urination at night

Flank pain on one or both sides

Other symptoms that may occur with this disease include:

Drowsiness

Joint pain

Nail abnormalities

Treatment

The goal of treatment is to control symptoms and prevent complications. High blood pressure may be hard to control, but controlling it is the most important part of treatment.

Treatment may include:

Blood pressure medicines

Diuretics

Low-salt diet

Any urinary tract infection should be treated quickly with antibiotics.