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Signs & Symptoms of Polycystic Kidney Disease

Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a condition in which clusters of noncancerous cysts develop on and around the kidneys. The fluid-filled cysts can cause kidney damage if they are too large or too numerous. In severe cases, PKD can cause kidney damage or kidney failure. About 600,000 Americans have polycystic kidney disease, and it is the fourth-leading cause of kidney failure, according to the National Kidney Foundation. The first noticeable signs of the condition often do not develop until a person is in their 30s or 40s.

  1. High Blood Pressure

    • The most common symptom of polycystic kidney disease is high blood pressure, according to the National Kidney Foundation. In many cases, a diagnosis of high blood pressure can lead to the discovery that a person has PKD. Because high blood pressure can lead to kidney damage, it is important to treat the condition and bring blood pressure into a healthy range.

    Pain

    • Some people with polycystic disease experience pain in the back or abdomen as a result of the condition. Some people with PKD also many notice that their abdomen is larger than it once was. These symptoms develop because the kidneys become larger due to the presence of the cysts.

    Urinary Symptoms

    • Polycystic kidney disease can lead to frequent or recurrent urinary tract or kidney infections. People with PKD can also develop kidney stones because of the condition and may notice blood in their urine. Frequent urination is also associated with PKD.

    Other Symptoms

    • Headaches can also be a sign of polycystic kidney disease, but this can often be overlooked because headaches are common and are a symptom of many other conditions. Additionally, about a quarter of people with PKD have a floppy valve in their heart, according to the National Kidney Foundation. The faulty valve can cause a fluttering or pounding feeling in the chest and may also cause chest pain. The presence of these symptoms is often the first indication that a person has polycystic kidney disease.

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