Management of Polycystic Kidney Disease

Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is an inherited disease that slowly damages the kidneys and may lead to kidney failure. Fluid-filled cysts form on the kidneys, interfering with normal function. According to the Polycystic Kidney Disease Foundation, 600,000 Americans have the disease. While there is no cure and no specific treatment, changes in diet and lifestyle can help slow the progression of the disease.

Pain

• Pain from PKD is usually felt in the side and back and may be relieved with over-the-counter pain medications that contain acetaminophen. If the cysts are particularly large and painful, your doctor may recommend surgical removal of the cysts. This will not stop the progression of the disease, as other cysts may form after surgery.

Blood Pressure

• Keeping blood pressure within normal limits will help slow the progression of the disease and reduce damage to the kidneys. While a low-fat, low-sodium diet may help lower your blood pressure, you may also need to take high blood pressure medication.

Dietary Changes

• A low-protein or vegetarian diet is recommended if you have PKD. Plant protein-based diets may help slow the growth of cysts and reduce blood pressure. Eating potassium-rich foods, such as bananas, carrots and apricots, may be beneficial in reducing loss of kidney function. The PKD Foundation recommends eating less than 3000 milligrams of salt or sodium-rich foods per day in order to keep blood pressure at a healthy level. Foods containing omega 3 fatty acids, such as soybeans, flax seed and halibut, may help reduce inflammation of the kidneys. As the disease progresses, you may need to make changes in your diet to ensure that you are receiving appropriate amounts of nutrients. A renal dietitian can help you plan a diet that meets your nutritional needs.

Water Intake

• The cysts on your kidneys make it more difficult for your kidneys to concentrate urine, resulting in a problem with water reabsorption. Drinking a sufficient amount of water is needed to avoid dehydration. While it is important for everyone to drink plenty of water on hot days or during exercise, it is particularly important for you. The amount of water you need to drink may depend on the stage of your disease and whether you are undergoing dialysis. Your doctor can provide you with a recommendation for daily water intake.

Weight Loss and Exercise

• If you have PKD, it is important to maintain a healthy weight for your frame. Being underweight or overweight can stress the body and hasten the progression of your disease. While exercise is recommended, it is best to choose exercise programs and sports that are low-impact. Swimming, tennis and golf are good choices for low-impact sports. If you participate in such sports as basketball, football or boxing, your doctor may recommend that you wear flank and lower back pads or stop participating in these sports, depending on your symptoms and the size of your kidneys.

Dialysis

• Should you enter end-stage renal disease, or kidney failure, dialysis may be necessary. When your kidneys aren't working properly, waste products, salt and excess water build up in the body and can quickly cause a toxic reaction. Dialysis removes these substances from your body through one of two methods: hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis. Hemodialysis uses a hemodialyzer machine to filter blood that flows from an opening in your arm or leg. After the blood is filtered, it is returned to your body. Peritoneal dialysis uses the peritoneal lining of your abdomen as a substitute filter. During peritoneal dialysis, a liquid dialysis agent is placed your abdominal cavity. The dialysis agent works by drawing waste products and water into the peritoneum. After a number of hours, the dialysis agent is drained, and the process begins again.

Kidney Transplant

• If your kidneys have failed, a kidney transplant may help restore kidney function. During a transplant, a donor kidney is placed in your body and takes over for your damaged kidneys. Following the transplant, you will need to take anti-rejection drugs in order to ensure that your body accepts your new organ.