Polycystic kidney disease
Content provided by Healthwise
Polycystic kidney disease
Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is an inherited disease that replaces normal kidney tissue with fluid-filled cysts. As a result, over a 30- to 40-year period, the kidney stops working.
While most cases of PKD are passed down through families, it may also develop from chronic kidney disease and occurs most often in people with kidney failure who have been on dialysis for a long time.
Symptoms of polycystic kidney disease include back and side pain, headache, urinary tract infections, and blood in the urine (hematuria).
There is no cure for PKD. Treatment includes antibiotics, medications and surgery to control pain, and dialysis or kidney transplant to treat kidney failure.
Credits
| Author | Jeannette Curtis |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman, MATC |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | D.C. Mendelssohn, MD, FRCPC - Nephrology |
| Last Updated | November 13, 2007 |
| Last updated: | November 13, 2007 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Jeannette Curtis |
| Reviewed By: | E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine, D.C. Mendelssohn, MD, FRCPC - Nephrology |
| Editors: | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman, MATC |
© 1995-2007, Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. By using AOL Body, you indicate that you have read, understood, and agreed to our Terms of Service, and AOL Body Advertising Policy. Read more about our content partners.
Search
Where Does it Hurt?
If you're experiencing aches and pains we can help you find answers. Find out what your symptoms mean for your health.
