Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsFrequent SymptomsRare SymptomsComplicationsWhen to See a DoctorA Word From Verywell
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Frequent Symptoms
Rare Symptoms
Complications
When to See a Doctor
A Word From Verywell
Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) causes fluid-filled growths, called cysts, to form in the kidneys. These cysts disrupt kidney function and can lead to kidney failure. Over time, the cysts overtake parts of the kidney, which decreases the kidney’s ability to function.
It is estimated that PKD affects 500,000 people in the United States, accounting for about 5% of all causes of kidney failure.
It is estimated that about half of all people with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease are unaware they have PKD.
Verywell / Theresa Chiechi
Symptoms of Polycystic Kidney Disease
Autosomal recessive PKD is a rare type of polycystic kidney disease that mainly affects infants and the unborn. The symptoms of this disease include:
Unfortunately, there is no cure for PKD. Studies are being conducted to determine if there are any treatments that can limit, or even prevent, PKD from progressing to kidney failure. In the meantime, many treatments can be tried to control symptoms, help slow the growth of cysts, and help prevent or slow the loss of kidney function. These include:
Autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease affects mostly unborn babies and infants. Complications of this type of PKD include:
People with PKD should seek immediate medical attention if any of these symptoms are noticed:ConfusionNew or worsening swelling of feet, ankles, or legsChest pain or shortness of breathInability to urinate.
People with PKD should seek immediate medical attention if any of these symptoms are noticed:
What Can Cause Blood in Urine With No Pain?
4 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Kidney Foundation.Polycystic Kidney Disease.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease.Cleveland Clinic.Polycystic Kidney Disease.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Autosomal Recessive Polycystic Kidney Disease.
4 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Kidney Foundation.Polycystic Kidney Disease.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease.Cleveland Clinic.Polycystic Kidney Disease.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Autosomal Recessive Polycystic Kidney Disease.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
National Kidney Foundation.Polycystic Kidney Disease.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease.Cleveland Clinic.Polycystic Kidney Disease.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Autosomal Recessive Polycystic Kidney Disease.
National Kidney Foundation.Polycystic Kidney Disease.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease.
Cleveland Clinic.Polycystic Kidney Disease.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Autosomal Recessive Polycystic Kidney Disease.
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