What Are the Symptoms of PKD

PKD is a genetic kidney disease with numerous cysts formed on kidneys, and the cysts will get enlarged over time, which can finally lead to kidney failure. With the development of PKD, patients can get some symptoms. Then what are the symptoms of PKD? Read on, you can learn more.

Early in the disease, patients often experience no symptoms. In fact, many people don't realize they have ADPKD because they have so few if any symptoms.

High blood pressure, or hypertension, affects about 60% to 70% of men and 40% to 50% of women with ADPKD — in many cases the percentage tends to increase as GFR decreases. High blood pressure begins early during the course of ADPKD, often before there is abnormal kidney function. One theory for hypertension in ADPKD is that as cysts form and enlarge they press on blood vessels in the kidney, resulting in decreased blood flow. Sensors in the kidney tubule react as though the blood pressure in the kidney is low. A hormone called renin is then secreted, which in turn generates angiotensin II, constricting the blood vessels, and causing high blood pressure. If not treated, hypertension damages the kidneys, enlarges the heart and can cause strokes.

Chronic pain or heaviness is one of the most common problems for people with ADPKD. The pain is usually in the back or the sides and occasionally in the abdomen. The pain can be intermittent and mild requiring only occasional pain medicine such as Tylenol. In a small number of people, the pain can be constant and quite severe. The only non-steroidal anti-inflammatory over-the-counter pain medication recommended for use in ADPKD patients is Tylenol which is an analgesic. The other compounds may be further damaging to the kidneys.

Hematuria, or blood in the urine, is something that nearly 50% of those with ADPKD will experience. The urine may look pink, red or brown. Passing small amounts of red blood cells in the urine that can only be seen under a microscope may also occur. This is called microscopic hematuria. Blood in the urine can last for less than a day or go on for days. Strict bed rest, increased fluid intake, and acetaminophen (if there is pain) are usually the treatments if the bleeding is prolonged. Most of the time, bleeding is self-limited and resolves with these conservative measures.

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is caused by bacteria that have reached the bladder, kidneys or the cysts themselves. The infection usually starts in the bladder and can progress up the ureters into the kidneys. Although both men and women have UTIs, they are far more common in women. UTIs are common in the general population, but they appear to be more frequent in those with ADPKD. The most common symptom of UTI is pain or burning with urination and/or an urgent need to urinate even though there is only a small amount of urine. When the infection is in the kidney or in a cyst, there may be a sudden onset of fever, chills and back or flank pain.

Kidney stones occur in about 20%-30% of people with ADPKD, compared to 8%-10% in the general population. One reason kidney stones are more common may be due to cysts blocking the tubules, preventing normal drainage. When the urine stays in one area longer than it should, crystals can form and cause kidney stones. Another reason that stones may form in some people with ADPKD is that there is a decrease in urine citrate. Urine citrate is a substance that prevents formation of kidney stones. The symptoms of kidney stones are severe pain in the back, side or into the groin. Often there will be blood in the urine when passing a kidney stone.

Above are some of the common symptoms for PKD patients. You need to pay attention to these symptoms, and take early treatment to control them. Because the unwell controlled symptoms can worsen your PKD and cause further kidney damage.