For many, Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) is a confusing topic. We hear all sorts of stuff, and some of it sounds like it's straight out of a medical dictionary. But do not worry anymore. We will simplify this condition in this blog without any ambiguous medical terms.
PKD involves the development of clusters of cysts in the kidneys. These cysts may contribute to impaired renal function, and in some cases, it may even cause kidney failure. Yet, with good health insurance and an appropriate polycystic kidney disease treatment plan, we can easily manage the disease.
Treatment of Polycystic Kidney Disease
Although there is no cure at present for this complex disease, we can still prevent its deadly outcome by taking adequate care. Management of this disease entails managing the symptoms and ensuring that no further complications arise while treating the patients to ensure that they live well.
- Medications for Blood Pressure Control: PKD commonly results in increased blood pressure. It should be controlled as soon as possible to slow down the progression of the disease. The doctors may prescribe medications such as Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers. Frequent monitoring and fine-tuning of medications help control blood pressure within the desired limit.
- Treating Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): PKD is also associated with increased rates of UTIs. These infections have to be treated with antibiotics that are often the most effective in stopping the worsening of kidney functions and managing symptoms at the earliest.
- Growth Hormone Therapy: In some cases, growth hormone therapy also helps. Growth problems are common PKD symptoms among pediatric patients. In such cases, this approach works best, as growth hormones stimulate growth and development.
- Dialysis: When PKD progresses to an advanced stage, the kidneys cannot clear the waste out of the blood. In such conditions, dialysis does the work of the kidney and eliminates waste products and extra fluid in of blood.
- Kidney Transplantation: If dialysis becomes ineffective, a kidney transplant becomes a viable treatment option. In the case of a kidney transplant, a defective kidney is replaced by a recipient’s functional kidney. Though this procedure has great potential for improving the quality of life, the patient must take immunosuppressive drugs for his entire life to avoid rejection of the new kidney by the body.
- Lifestyle Adjustments: These involve good eating habits, regular exercising and avoiding excessive cigarettes and alcohol. Such alterations control blood pressure and help in avoiding heart diseases among patients with PKD who are more susceptible to developing the same.
- Regular Monitoring: Regular screening ensures ongoing assessment of kidney function and aims to manage any associated symptoms, fostering optimal kidney health. These screenings typically include blood tests, urine analysis and imaging studies like ultrasounds or MRIs.