What are the symptoms of Polycystic Kidney Disease

PKD refers to many various cysts in renal parenchyma of both kidneys.Then the various cysts will be larger with the time going on and constrict the kidneys.What's worse,the bigger cysts will rupture and damage the kidneys,effecting the renal function.PKD has 2 types:ARPKD(Autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease) and ADPKD(Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease).

the most common of the symptoms of polycystic kidney disease — side and back pain — is due to enlarging of the kidneys and infections in the cysts. Pain may be severe at times, while absent at other times. Abdominal pain is another symptom, especially if the liver develops cysts, too. Blood in the urine may occur if cysts become infected and break open. As kidney function decreases, urination becomes more frequent, especially at night.

Numerous cysts develop in the nephrons of the kidneys, enlarging and breaking away from these tiny filtering units. Function of the kidneys is impacted as the cysts continue to increase and grow. The kidneys regulate body fluids, and interference with this function leads to hypertension. Another of the symptoms of polycystic kidney disease is an increase in red blood cells. The diseased kidneys secrete too much of the hormone that stimulates red blood cell production.

Polycystic kidney disease patients have more kidney stones than people without the disease. Aneurysms in the brain are also more common, as are frequent headaches. The liver, pancreas and testes might also develop cysts and infections. People suffering from the disease are at higher risk for developing diverticulosis of the colon. The enlargement of the kidneys puts pressure on other organs, and abdominal pain, digestive problems, and acid reflux may occur.

It's not uncommon for people to have polycystic kidney disease for years without developing signs or symptoms and without knowing they have the disease.

If you have some of the signs and symptoms of polycystic kidney disease, which include high blood pressure, an increase in the size of your abdomen, blood in your urine, back or side pain, or kidney stones, see your doctor to determine what might be causing them. If you have a first-degree relative — parent, sibling or child — with polycystic kidney disease, see your doctor to discuss the pros and cons of screening for this disorder.