According to the American Kidney Fund, 37 million Americans are living with some form of kidney disease. Still, only about 2% of them have PKD. Although 2% seems small, that's still about 750,000 people in the United States.
PKD is a scary diagnosis, especially when you read about the health consequences, but there are many encouraging facts you should keep in mind. At Metro Renal Associates, our team of three experienced nephrologists specialize in kidney disease and provides support and treatments for PKD.
Polycystic Kidney Disease, or PKD, is a chronic health condition that causes cysts to form in the kidneys. The cysts cause kidney damage and, without treatment, kidney failure.
There are three main types of PKD: Autosomal dominant, Autosomal recessive, and Acquired cystic kidney disease. According to the National Kidney Foundation, 90% of PKD cases are Autosomal dominant.
The most common symptom related to PKD is high blood pressure. It may occur alone or alongside fluttering in the chest and headaches. Treating and managing blood pressure with a PKD diagnosis is essential to preventing kidney failure.
Other symptoms may accompany high blood pressure with PKD. These symptoms include all or any of the following:
Many people don't develop the symptoms of PKD until they hit their late 30s or 40s, but some may have symptoms earlier. The key to managing the condition is early diagnosis and professional treatment.
PKD is a lifelong, chronic kidney problem that progresses without the proper care and treatment. However, it's not a death sentence by any means. Many people with PKD go on to live healthy lives with treatment and home management.
It's easy to get lost in the negatives of living with PKD, including potential complications. However, there are many positives to look at when diagnosing PKD. Although you can't eliminate it, you can live a healthy lifestyle and avoid long-term complications by controlling disease progression.
We want you to see the positives in PKD, which is why we offer the following five encouraging facts about the disease:
With proper management and treatments, many people with PKD live long lives. The key to preventing kidney failure is learning as much as possible about PKD, making lifestyle changes, and attending routine appointments to monitor kidney function and health.
There are many advancements in treatments and medications that slow the progression of PKD and help avoid complications.
Another positive aspect of PKD is the hope for a cure with scientific advances and research. The medical world is always evolving, with trials and testing constantly looking for better treatments and possibly a cure for PKD.
Our team keeps up with the latest research, medications, and treatments to provide you with the best therapies to control PKD and its symptoms.
A great way to manage PKD is through simple lifestyle changes that keep your body and kidneys healthy. For instance, eating a nutritious diet, staying hydrated, and getting regular exercise keep the rest of the body healthy, which improves PKD symptoms and kidney wellness.
It's also essential to quit smoking, eat a low-fat and low-sodium diet, and get enough sleep to control stress on the kidneys and keep your blood pressure regular.
Learning as much as you can about PKD helps you understand it and control your lifestyle to avoid kidney damage and failure. So many resources and support outlets are available that give you tips and tricks to keep your kidneys healthy.
We suggest looking into the PKD Foundation and the American Kidney Fund to find the support you need when living with PKD.
With the proper treatment and care, PKD patients live long lives, and only about half require dialysis or a kidney transplant later in life. However, you can avoid these options through lifestyle changes, medications, and blood pressure management.
The better you control your lifestyle and health, the more likely the disease won't progress quickly, allowing you to enjoy each stage of life as it comes.
Call Metro Renal Associates in Washington, D.C., and Capitol Heights, Maryland, today to discuss PKD treatment, or use our convenient online booking tool to request a consultation.
