What are the main symptoms or signs of Polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD)?

Common signs vary from person to person. The article above lists the symptoms to watch for, how they progress, and when they need medical attention.

When should you see a doctor for Polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD)?

See a doctor if symptoms last more than a few weeks, get worse quickly, stop you doing everyday things, or if you notice sudden pain, breathing trouble, fainting or bleeding.

Kidney & Urinary

Polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD)

A hereditary kidney disease

Dr. Camille Roux

Nephrologist

6 min read

Medical illustration of Polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD)

In simple terms

Tolvaptan, blood pressure control, dialysis: managing ADPKD.

The most common hereditary kidney disease

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease affects 1 in 1000 people. Mutations in PKD1 or PKD2 lead to progressive cyst formation, gradually destroying renal function.

Symptoms

Often silent for a long time. Then: hypertension, flank pain, hematuria, recurrent urinary infections, kidney stones. End-stage renal failure around 50-70 years.

Treatments

Tolvaptan: vasopressin V2 receptor antagonist, slows progression
Strict blood pressure control (ACEi/ARB)
High water intake (>3L/day)
Low sodium diet
Dialysis then transplant at end-stage

Family screening

Renal ultrasound after age 18 for first-degree relatives. Genetic counseling for procreation.

The words explained

Medical terms used above, in everyday language.

Symptom: A sign you can feel or see that something is wrong, like pain, tiredness or a rash.
Blood pressure: The force of blood pushing against your artery walls. Too high, over years, damages the heart and vessels.
Screening: A check-up done before you feel ill, to catch a problem early.
Genetic: Passed down in your family through your genes.

When should you see a doctor?

Your symptoms last more than a few weeks or keep coming back.
They get worse quickly, or stop you doing everyday things.
You notice sudden pain, breathing trouble, fainting or bleeding — seek urgent care.
You already take medication and want to change anything about it.

This article explains general health information. It does not replace advice from your own doctor.

Frequently asked questions

What is Polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD)?: Tolvaptan, blood pressure control, dialysis: managing ADPKD.
What are the main symptoms or signs of Polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD)?: Common signs vary from person to person. The article above lists the symptoms to watch for, how they progress, and when they need medical attention.
When should you see a doctor for Polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD)?: See a doctor if symptoms last more than a few weeks, get worse quickly, stop you doing everyday things, or if you notice sudden pain, breathing trouble, fainting or bleeding.

#kidney #ADPKD #genetic