Can You Prevent Polycystic Kidney Disorder?

Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) is a genetic disorder of the kidneys, where multiple cysts filled with fluid develop within the organ, causing it to enlarge and gradually lose its ability to function. The cysts are usually non-cancerous but differ in size. Polycystic kidney disease can harm your kidneys and cause mild to severe symptoms.

Symptoms of PKD

If multiple cysts develop in your kidney, you may experience the following symptoms –

• High blood pressure

• Pain in the back above the buttocks

• Blood in urine

• Bloating in the abdomen due to enlarged kidneys

• An urge to urinate frequently

• Feeling full

• Headache

• Infection of the kidneys or urinary tract

• Kidney stones

Upon identifying the above signs, consult a doctor and discuss your treatment plan at the earliest.

Can PKD be prevented?

Polycystic Kidney Disease is an inherited disorder, which cannot be prevented. Studies reveal that a child with a parent having PKD has 50% chances of developing the disorder. However, following a careful combination of physcial activities and diet can prevent the complications and symptoms of the disease.

Here are a few measures you should take to prevent PKD symptoms and complications from affecting your quality of life –

• Follow a diet plan that cuts back on sodium intake and keeps you hydrated throughout the day

• Eat a healthy and balanced diet filled with the right amount of proteins and fibres – vegetables, fruits, and whole grains

• Ensure that you maintain a healthy body weight

• Limit alcohol consumption and quit smoking right away

• Be sure to incorporate some sort of sport, exercise, or physical activity in your daily routine – it could be simple activities like running and cycling or light to moderate muscle training exercises

• Do not skip the dose of your prescribed blood pressure medications

Your kidneys withstand the worst of all the bodily toxins. Polycystic Kidney Disease is one of the many causes of kidney failure, and may even cause cysts to form in other organs of the body such as the liver. Therefore, it is important that you keep the organs in good health. Although the condition cannot be prevented at birth, it can be managed well with the above measures. Book an appointment with your doctor, discuss your concerns and follow the guidelines provided by him/her to improve your condition.