Polycistic Kidney Disease Signs & Symptoms

Polycystic kidney disease causes cysts to grow on the kidneys. The disease is typically passed down through families. It affects about 12.5 million people worldwide and is found in all races and genders. Symptoms do not generally appear until the patient is 30 or 40 years old.

High Blood Pressure

• High blood pressure is a common symptom. According to the PKD Foundation, high blood pressure is one of the first symptoms to appear and affects about 60 to 70 percent of men and 40 to 50 percent of women with the disease.

Chronic Pain

• Patients often develop chronic pain in the back or on the flanks. This pain may occur on one or both sides. The size of the abdomen in some patients will also increase. This may be caused by the swelling of the kidneys.

Blood in the Urine

• According to the PKD Foundation, about 50 percent of patients will experience blood in the urine. This is intermittent, but occasionally the bleeding may persist for several days.

Urinary Tract Infections

• Patients often experience increased or more frequent urinary tract infections and kidney infections. Burning during urination is the most common symptom of a urinary tract infection. Kidney infections include fever and increased flank pain.

Kidney Stones

• Kidney stones are more common in patients with the disease, although, according to the PKD Foundation, only about 20 to 30 percent of patients will experience them. It is probable that the cysts interfere with kidney function causing the stones to form. Extreme back and side pain are common with kidney stones.