Polycystic Kidney Disease is a common chronic health problem that is
afflicting more and more patients all over the world. Over many years, the
kidneys slowly lose their ability to effectively filter wastes in the blood out
of the body. Back pain, high blood pressure, hematuria and other symptoms are
barely noticeable at first, but over time, many patients will advance into
kidney failure if no effective treatment is received.
Although Polycystic Kidney Disease can not be cured, treatment can minimize
symptoms, reduce the chance of exacerbating into kidney failure, and extend and
improve quality of life.
If you have been informed that loved one has PKD, here is what you will need
to know.
Are the current symptoms requiring special medical attention?
Whether the PKD has been recently identified or is something that the doctor
has been mentioning for years, you should familiarize themselves with symptoms
of poorly controlled PKD. The most common ones are back pain, hematuria, high
blood pressure, urinary tract infections and cysts in other organs. Learn more
about symptoms of Polycystic Kidney Disease and what to do. PKD can also develop
into kidney failure.
What is the plan for dealing with the PKD, and is this plan on track?
Everyone with PKD should have an individualized plan to manage the condition.
In the earlier stage of PKD, you may just feel back pain. You can take some pain
killer when the pain is unbearable. However, when high blood pressure and
hematuria occur, certain medicines should be taken according to your doctor’s
guidance. You can help your loved one keep up with that management plan (making
sure they’re taking medications and monitoring for worse symptoms).
Regardless the stage of PKD, one of the most things patients need to do is
receiving treatment to control the cysts growing. Surgeries might not be a good
choice since so many cysts are involved. You can consider Chinese Medicines to
shrink the cysts, which is natural and safe.
Also, the diet should also be paid attention to. Do not put too much salt
when cooking for your patient. Do not let your PKD patient have strenuous
physical activities for fear of the rupture of kidney cysts. You should
encourage him or her to be optimistic and cooperate with doctors to receive
treatment as early as possible.
