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What is polycystic kidney disease? How can it be treated with Ayurveda?

by Rahul Kumar Health and Medical

Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) is a genetic medical health condition in which people develop fluid filled cysts in their kidneys. These cysts can lead to life threatening complications, that is why this disease is a serious condition.

People with PKD develop multiple cysts in their kidneys over a significant period of time. These cysts are filled with fluid. They can enlarge the kidneys and change their shape over time.

The kidneys are bean shaped organs that perform the job of filtering the blood and removing waste and excess fluid from the body. They ensure that the blood contains a healthy balance of water, salts and minerals to keep the nerves, muscles and other tissues functioning as they should.

The kidneys are also responsible for making the hormones that the body needs to control blood pressure and produce red blood cells. PKD interrupts this vital work. As the cysts grow, they can make the organs enlarged, change their shape and even result in kidney failure. Apart from the kidneys, cysts can also develop in other vital organs such as the liver.

Causes of polycystic kidney disease

In most cases, a genetic mutation causes polycystic kidney disease. This means that the condition passes from one generation to the other through the DNA.

Sometimes a person may develop the gene mutation that causes PKD without inheriting it from a parent. This condition is rare and is called spontaneous gene mutation.

ayurvedic treatment for pkd

Males and females get equally affected by PKD. A person’s chances of having the disorder do not seem to get influenced by factors like age and race.

However, people sharing blood relations with someone who has PKD are more likely to inherit this condition than those who do not.

Types of polycystic kidney disease

1. Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD): The signs and symptoms of ADPKD often develop between the ages of 30 and 40. This type used to be known as adult polycystic kidney disease in the past, but children are likely to develop this disorder.

If only one parent has the disease, it will likely pass to the children. Each child has a 50% chance of getting the disease if only one parent has it. Most cases of polycystic kidney disease are registered under this form.

1. Autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD) : This type is not as common as ADPKD. The signs and symptoms most likely appear shortly after birth.

In order for this disease to be passed on, both parents must have abnormal genes. Each child has a 25% chance of getting the disease if both parents have abnormal genes

Symptoms of polycystic kidney disease

People may live with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease for years without knowing. It is usually between the age of 30 and 50 years that they receive a diagnosis only if they are experiencing complications.

Symptoms of ADPKD are -

● Side and back pain

● Blood in the urine

● Headache

Doctors may spot autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease before the baby is born even though ARPKD is much rarer than ADPKD. An ultrasound can reveal signs that include the fetus's kidneys appearing larger than normal.

Signs of ARPKD post birth include -

● Breathing difficulties

● A swollen belly

● Vomiting after feeding

● Growth problems in the face and limbs

● High blood pressure

Some children may not show any symptoms unless it reaches a severe level. In these children, symptoms may include -

● Urinary tract infections

● Being short or light weight for their age

● High blood pressure

● Back or side pain

Diagnosis of polycystic kidney disease

Doctors use three main tests to help diagnose PKD. They include -

● Ultrasound

● CT scan

● MRI scan

All three tests use sound waves or X-rays to look inside the body and are therefore imaging tests.

The doctor checks for any visible cysts on the kidneys. They will enquire about any symptoms and whether anyone in their family has or had PKD.

DNA testing can also be done by doctors to diagnose PKD. A sample of the person’s blood or saliva is required to do this.

Complications of polycystic kidney disease

The complications of PKD include -

● Kidney failure: The kidneys are unable to function properly as they grow in size and change shape. As a result of this, harmful waste builds up in the body, and blood pressure gets high.

People with kidney failure may retain extra fluid, and not enough red blood cells are produced by their bodies.

● Liver cysts: It is when cysts start to develop in the liver. Cysts are more common in females than males, among those with PKD.

Since the cysts happen to be very small, it is unlikely for them to contribute to liver failure. However, they can become infected.

● Mitral valve prolapse: For a person having mitral valve prolapse, it means that the valve separating the top and bottom parts of the heart’s left chamber does not function properly.Heart palpitations and chest pain are common symptoms in this condition.

● Hernias: People with PKD are prone to hernias in the abdomen and groin.

Treatment for polycystic kidney disease

Currently, adult PKD has no cure. However doctors will have to manage complications and help slow the rate of growth of cysts.

A healthy lifestyle that comprises regular exercise and a balanced diet can help delay or prevent kidney failure.

Reducing stress and quitting smoking are also essential to contribute to overall good health.

Doctors may recommend some people to take medication to control their blood pressure.

Treatment for polycystic kidney disease, also depending on the severity of the condition, may include -

● Medication to lower blood pressure

● Antibiotics

● A kidney transplant

● A liver transplant

● Growth hormones

● Dialysis

Ayurveda treatment for polycystic kidney disease

Opting for Ayurveda treatment to cure polycystic kidney disease is a safe and secure option. Ayurveda is a natural alternative to heal the damaged tissues of the kidneys. It helps to get rid of the cysts that grow in kidneys in a painless manner.

PKD being a hereditary condition is something acquired by birth in most cases. It can be treated with Ayurveda. The use of herbs can help work on the genes and ancestral pattern. This will prevent the condition from passing on to upcoming generations.

Some preventive measures offered by Ayurveda to treat the condition are -

● Herbal tea is the most effective way to heal the condition.

● The amount of fat to be consumed must be limited.

● Garlic is productive for people suffering from PKD. It helps in reducing the size of the cysts in kidneys.