Adult Polycystic Kidney Disease
Nephrology & Hypertension serving Middle Tennessee
If you have blood in your urine, back or side pain, or a feeling of fullness in your abdomen, these could be signs of adult polycystic kidney disease. At Southern Kidney Specialists, with locations throughout Middle Tennessee, the exceptional nephrology team treats this condition to reduce the chance of complications. Call the nearest office to learn more, or book an appointment online today.
Adult polycystic kidney disease is an inherited disorder that causes cysts to develop within your kidneys, making them larger and not functioning as well. Some cysts, which are round, fluid-filled sacs, can grow very large and lead to kidney damage. The cysts can also develop in other areas of your body, including your liver.
Adult polycystic kidney disease often develops between ages 30 and 40. Early detection and treatment is the best way to avoid severe complications, such as kidney failure and high blood pressure.
The main signs and symptoms of adult polycystic kidney disease are:
You might eventually have complications like a loss of kidney function, ongoing pain, cyst growth in your liver, or a brain aneurysm. Heart valve abnormalities, colon problems, and pregnancy complications in women can also develop.
Adult polycystic kidney disease is caused by a genetic mutation. In most cases, it runs in families, as parents can pass the gene to their children. Only one parent needs to possess the gene for their children to inherit it.
Another type of genetic abnormality called autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD) can cause children and adolescents to develop polycystic kidney disease.
To reduce the chance of complications associated with polycystic kidney disease, it’s important to manage your blood pressure by adopting healthy habits and taking medicines as directed by your specialist.
To diagnose polycystic kidney disease, the Southern Kidney Specialists team reviews your symptoms and medical history. They check your vital signs, complete a physical exam, and recommend diagnostic imaging procedures, such as an ultrasound, a CT scan, or an MRI.
To treat polycystic kidney disease and reduce the risk of complications, it’s important to keep your blood pressure under control. Maintain an ideal body weight, drink plenty of water, take blood pressure-lowering medicines if needed, eat healthy foods, exercise regularly, limit alcohol use, and avoid smoking.
You might also take medicine to slow the rate of kidney cyst growth. If you have kidney failure due to adult polycystic kidney disease, you might need dialysis or a kidney transplant. Your specialist may recommend periodic screening for aneurysms.
Early detection and treatment of adult polycystic kidney disease is the best way to reduce the chance of disease progression and complications associated with the disease.
If you suspect you have adult polycystic kidney disease or you’re at risk of developing it, schedule an appointment at Southern Kidney Specialists by phone or request one online today.