How to Treat Polycystic Kidney Disease

Polycystic kidney disease is an inherited disorder in which many masses or cysts form in the kidney, eventually replacing normal kidney tissue. The disease can also cause cysts to form in the liver. Polycystic kidney disease isn't curable, but treatments can reduce symptoms and improve the patient's quality of life. Read on to learn more about how to treat polycystic kidney disease.

Instructions

    • 1

      Ask the doctor which over the counter pain medications are safe to take. Many patients take aspirin or acetaminophen, but some pain medicines can harm the kidneys and increase blood pressure.

    • 2

      Consent to surgery to reduce back pain. Surgery to reduce the cysts reduces back pain in some cases, especially when the cysts grow larger than 5 mm.

    • 3

      Treat urinary tract infections. Some patients with polycystic kidney disease contract frequent urinary tract infections. You must prevent the infection from spreading to cysts in the kidneys, where antibiotics are less effective.

    • 4

      Seek treatment for high blood pressure. Impaired kidney function can lead to high blood pressure, which puts patients at risk for stroke. You can treat high blood pressure with medicines and lifestyle modifications.

    • 5

      Learn about caring for yourself during dialysis. Many patients with polycystic kidney disease develop renal failure after a period of years, and dialysis takes over the kidney's function of filtering the blood.

    • 6

      Consider the possibility of a kidney transplant. The positive effects of transplantation endure longer than dialysis. Kidney transplants can come from a living donor or a deceased organ donor, but your doctor must place you on a recipient waiting list.

    • 7

      Keep abreast of research. You may be a candidate for clinical trials evaluating new ways of treating polycystic kidney disease.

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