polycystic+kidney+disease+(sick+genes+activity)

Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) written by Denisse Perez

Polycystic kidney disease is a genetic disorder. People with PKD have cysts in their kidneys. If there are cysts in the kidneys, then they will not function properly. The job of the kidneys is to remove all toxins from the blood in the form of urine. They are bean-shaped organs and are located under the ribcage. The cysts prevent any toxins from gathering in the kidneys. They are filled with water-like fluids. The size of the kidneys enlarge but still remain the same shape. It is possible for only one kidney to develop cysts, but rare.



//There are two types of PKD.//
 * Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD) || * Only one parent has a dominant trait for PKD and expresses it. Each child of this parent has a 50% chance of inheriting PKD.
 * More common in adults than children.
 * Symptoms occur between the ages of 20 to 50. ||
 * Autosomal Recessive Polycystic Kidney Disease (ARPKD) || * Both parents are carriers of PKD but do not express it. Each child has a 25% chance of inheriting PKD.
 * More common in children than adults.
 * Symptoms occur right after birth. (Babbies with ARPKD may die before the age of 2.) Symptoms may also occur during adolescence. ||

**Symptoms:**
Other symptoms may also include have cysts in other organs. PKD may do damage to the liver and/or pancreas. Even the cysts may burst and cause pain.
 * 1) High blood pressure
 * 2) Headaches
 * 3) Lower back pain
 * 4) Abdominal pain
 * 5) Fever
 * 6) Kidney infections
 * 7) Blood in urine
 * 8) Kidney failure
 * 9) Frequent urination

** Treatment **
PKD is inherited and uncurable. There is no procedure that can remove the cysts safely. However, there are things that can be done to slow down the symptoms and prevent any damage.
 * Maintaining a healthy blood pressue level.
 * A diet low on sodium
 * Pain relievers
 * Kidney transplant or dialysis
 * Treating any kidney infections
 * Drinking plenty of water