What Can I do to Stop the Progression of Polycystic Kidney Disease

Many people have the misconception that Polycystic Kidney Disease will definitely develop to kidney failure finally. Actually, we can stop the progression of this disease by taking some measures. Well then, what can I do to stop the progression of Polycystic Kidney Disease?

Firstly, bring blood pressure and proteinuria under control.

Polycystic Kidney Disease is a hereditary disease in which kidney function declines with the progression of disease. High blood pressure and proteinuria are the common symptoms of PKD and can worsen kidney condition and accelerate kidney problem seriously. Therefore, to stop the progression of Polycystic Kidney Disease, having a tight control about these two symptoms is very necessary and helpful.

Secondly, when Polycystic Kidney Disease develops to advanced stage, complications like anemia and kidney stone occur easily. Anemia is medical condition in which account of red blood cells is less than the normal range. With anemia, kidneys can not get enough blood volume, which to some extent decreases glomerular filtration rate (GFR), an important clinical index used to reflect how well the kidney functions. Similar with anemia, kidney stone is also a common complication of PKD. For small kidney stones, they can be passed out easily by drinking much more water and doing some physical exercises. However, for big kidney stones, they may suck in kidney, which can cause further kidney damages. Therefore, preventing seriously complications is also very helpful for stopping the progression of Polycystic Kidney Disease.

Thirdly, right diet slows down the progression of PKD, so try to avoid high-protein diet and high-salt diet. Also, if lab tests show high levels of potassium and phosphorus, avoid foods with high potassium and high phosphorus is also necessary.

Fourthly, stop kidney cyst from enlarging. PKD is a chronic kidney problem marked by countless cysts in kidney. These cysts are filled with yellow fluid and enlarge over time. When they enlarge to a certain size, surrounding kidney tissues will be damaged and they may therefore lose their working ability. Therefore, to protect healthy kidney tissues are damaged, shrinking kidney cysts and protect healthy kidney tissues is necessary.

PKD is a genetic kidney problem, so it is hard for us to prevent the onset of it sometimes. However, it does not mean everyone with PKD gene will certainly suffer from kidney failure. As long as we take overall protective measure, we can stop the progression of Polycystic Kidney Disease and we can avoid kidney failure eventually.