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Antibiotics in Polycystic Kidney Disease

With polycystic kidney disease (PKD), numerous cysts grow in your kidneys. PKD is a genetic disorder that has no cure, but treatment can relieve symptoms and extend your life. The disorder affects 600,000 individuals in the U.S., according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK).

  1. Types

    • There are two types of PKD: autosomal dominant and autosomal recessive. The dominant form of the disorder is more common and develops between 30 to 40 years of age. Recessive PKD occurs in infants.

    Size

    • With PKD, cysts grow from your kidneys' filtering units called nephrons. Your nephrons can contain thousands of cysts and can cause a kidney to weigh approximately 30 pounds, according to NIDDK.

    Symptoms

    • Symptoms of PKD include frequent urination, high blood pressure, kidney stones, enlarged abdomen and back pain.

    Urinary Tract Infections

    • If you have PKD, you're at risk for frequent urinary tract infections.

    Significance

    • Antibiotics, according to the Mayo Clinic, are necessary to prevent damage to your kidneys and will be used to treat your bladder and kidney infections.

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