Updated on 8 Dec 2025
Kidney health is vital for filtering out waste and maintaining overall balance in the body. When conditions like polycystic kidney disease (PKD) occur, they can gradually disrupt this balance and affect daily life. Since PKD progresses silently in many cases, being aware of its signs and seeking timely diagnosis and treatment can help manage the condition effectively and reduce complications.
In this blog, you will learn more about polycystic kidney disease, its symptoms, diagnosis and the most effective treatment options.
What is polycystic kidney disease (PKD)?
Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a genetic disorder where clusters of fluid-filled cysts grow inside the kidneys. Over time, these cysts can enlarge the kidneys, reduce their ability to filter waste and lead to complications such as high blood pressure or kidney failure. PKD often progresses slowly, requiring regular monitoring and timely care.
What are the symptoms of PKD?
Many people with polycystic kidney disease (PKD) may not notice symptoms early on, but as the condition progresses, common signs can include:
- Persistent back or side pain
- Blood in the urine
- Frequent headaches
- Feeling of heaviness or fullness in the abdomen
- High blood pressure
- Kidney stones
- Repeated urinary tract infections
- Risk of kidney failure in advanced stages
How is PKD diagnosed?
A healthcare professional uses a combination of medical history, imaging tests and physical examination to diagnose polycystic kidney disease (PKD). Ultrasound is the most common method to detect kidney cysts, while CT scans or MRIs may provide clearer details when needed. Sometimes, blood and urine tests are also suggested to assess kidney function.
What is the treatment for polycystic kidney disease?
Since there is no definitive cure, treatment for polycystic kidney disease (PKD) focuses on managing symptoms, preventing complications and slowing the progression of kidney damage. The key ways involve:
- 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. Medications may be prescribed to keep it in a safe range, reducing the risk of having chronic diseases such as heart disease.
- Treating urinary tract infections (UTIs): PKD is also associated with increased rates of UTIs. These infections may require antibiotics to treat. They are often considered to be the most effective in preventing the worsening of kidney function and managing symptoms at the earliest.
- Growth hormone therapy: In some cases, growth hormone therapy can help. 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 from the blood. In such conditions, dialysis can help the kidneys eliminate waste and extra fluid in the 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.
Conclusion
Polycystic kidney disease treatment might seem scary at first glance, but knowledge about available treatments can be empowering. At present, the focus revolves around managing symptoms and preserving the health of the kidneys. In such cases, having a suitable health insurance policy significantly eases the burden of medical expenses.
Depending on your specific needs, you can opt for plans such as individual health insurance, family floater plan or critical illness plan, which can help cover hospitalisation costs, doctor consultations and essential treatments. If you need advice related to a particular plan, fill out the form on this page to receive expert guidance.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a certified medical and/or nutrition professional for any questions. Relying on any information provided in this blog is solely at your own risk, and ICICI Lombard is not responsible for any effects or consequences resulting from the use of the information shared.