Polycystic kidney disease is an innate disorder that causes fluid-filled cysts to develop in the kidneys. This formation of clusters impair kidney function and causes serious conditions if these cysts get ruptured. Over time, PKD leads to end-stage renal disease which can be managed with the help of Ayurvedic treatment for polycystic kidney disease.
Polycystic kidney disease is the fourth causative factor that can trigger kidney failure. The majorly affected complications of PKD are cysts in the liver and brain aneurysms.
Are there any types of PKD?
The two main forms of PKD are:-
- Autosomal dominant PKD (ADPKD), diagnosed in adulthood.
- Autosomal recessive PKD (ARPKD), diagnosed in the womb or shortly after the birth of the baby.
Autosomal dominant PKD - Autosomal dominant PKD means genetic mutations have occurred in only one parent. The autosomal dominant form has signs that appear when a person reaches his late 30s, typically in late adulthood though genes are present from birth. Ayurvedic treatment for polycystic kidney disease can be taken to slow down the progression and prevent kidney failure later in life.
Autosomal recessive PKD - An autosomal recessive form of PKD is a rare disorder that affects 1 in 20,000 babies and is hence called infantile PKD. A baby born with ARPKD has cysts that enlarge the size of the kidneys. Apparently, this presses the nearby organs and obstructs their growth. A baby born with ARPKD is prone to growth failure. This form of PKD appears early in life. The signs are usually apparent at birth or in early infancy.
Who is more likely to have PKD?
PKD affects people of all ages and ethnicities worldwide. It affects men and women equally.
What are the causes of PKD?
In the development of PKD, PKD1, PKD2, and PKHD1 genes are primarily responsible. For ADPKD, mutations in the PKD1 or PKD2 gene can trigger the growth of cysts in the kidneys. PKD1 causes type 1 ADPKD, while genetic mutations with PKD2 cause ADPKD type 2.
These genes are involved in the production of proteins whose functions are not clear. It is believed that they are involved in transmitting signals from outside to the cells to the cell’s nucleus. The two proteins help with renal functionality, as known. The mutations in the genes PKD 1 and PKD 2 can cause thousands of cysts to form in the kidney which affects other organs in proximity.
Women, particularly with mutations in the PKD2 gene, have a less severe form than with PKD1 genetic mutations though the signs in them appear later in adulthood.
For autosomal recessive PKD, alteration in the PKDHD1 gene is the main cause. However, the factor that causes genetic mutations in the PKHD1 gene is still not known.
There are a small percentage of PKD cases, which are not caused by genetic mutations. They are known to be acquired polycystic kidney disease. It occurs in people who are already ill with kidney disease for several years.
What are the signs of PKD?
The generalized symptoms of polycystic kidney disease are:-
- High blood pressure
- Back or side pain
- Blood in your urine
- Increased size of your abdomen due to enlarged kidneys
- Headaches
- Kidney stones
- Kidney failure
- Growth failure in babies
- Urinary tract or kidney infections
- A feeling of fullness in your abdomen
When to see a doctor
It is common for people to have PKD for years and remain unaware of it. If you develop the signs and symptoms of ADPKD, meet your doctors. In the case of a baby, the diagnostic tests at prenatal care will help reveal the level of amniotic fluid. If this is low, it can help doctors know that the kidney function is not accurate.
It is important to go for diagnostic tests and take Ayurvedic treatment for polycystic kidney disease in case you have a first-degree relative with PKD.
What is so complicated about PKD?
Polycystic kidney disease is a life-threatening disorder that needs to be treated with the right medical intervention.
- Development of an aneurysm in the brain. An aneurysm is a balloon-like growth in the brain that causes bleeding when it bursts. If you have a family history of brain aneurysms, you are likely at risk.
- High blood pressure. Hypertension due to impaired kidney function leads to fluid retention, which raises blood pressure.
- Loss of kidney function. Progressive loss of kidney function can lead to ESRD in most people by the age of 50.
- Chronic pain. Pain is a common complication of PKD. Pain may occur in your side or back or the areas around the kidneys. Pain can also be associated with infections in the urinary tract infection that causes painful urination, kidney stones, etc.
- Heart valve abnormalities. 1 in 4 adults who have PKD also develop mitral valve prolapse. In mitral valve prolapse, the valves of the heart do not close, which leads to blood flowing in the backward direction.
- Growth of cysts in the liver. Cysts may also grow in the liver as a complication of PKD.
- Pregnancy complications. Women with PKD have a hard time conceiving the baby. In some cases, a woman gets preeclampsia which is the presence of protein in the urine and high blood pressure both.
- Colon. Sac or pouches may also grow in the wall of the colon.
Treatment
One of the best approaches to combat or get rid of PKD is to take the help of Ayurveda. Ayurveda is reliable in the treatment of innate conditions as this works on the root cause and rejuvenates the way our body functions. Ayurvedic herbs are profound enough to improve the damage to the cells and tissues of the kidneys.
Take Ayurvedic treatment for polycystic kidney disease to get rid of PKD permanently.
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