How to treat kidney pain and ulcers associated with PKD?

Question

Hello doctor,

I was diagnosed with PKD in two years back. Recently, I have been experiencing a troubling rumbling sensation in my lower abdomen, which sounds like boiling. Additionally, I have pulsating pain in the areas where my kidneys are located. Most mornings, I feel a general weakness throughout my body. I am also concerned because my ulcers seem to be worsening. Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Thank you for reaching out, and I understand your concern.

Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) causes numerous fluid-filled cysts to grow in the kidneys. When too many cysts develop or become too large, they can damage the kidneys. Over time, these cysts can replace much of the kidney tissue, reducing kidney function and potentially leading to kidney failure.

Most individuals exhibit symptoms once they are 30 to 40 years old. Approximately 25 percent of PKD patients have a condition known as a floppy valve in the heart, which can cause a fluttering or pounding sensation in the chest and chest pain. These symptoms usually resolve on their own but may be the first indication of PKD.

High blood pressure is the most common sign of PKD. Patients may experience headaches, or they may be detected during a routine physical exam. Since high blood pressure can damage the kidneys, it is crucial to treat it. Proper treatment of high blood pressure can help slow or even prevent kidney failure.

Other symptoms of PKD include:

Back or side pain.
Increased abdominal size.
Blood in the urine.
Frequent bladder or kidney infections.
High blood pressure.
Fluttering or pounding in the chest.

PKD is a genetic disorder passed from parents to children through genes, the fundamental elements of heredity. At conception, children inherit a set of genes from each parent, which determines characteristics like hair and eye color and the likelihood of developing certain diseases. PKD can occur due to dominant or recessive inheritance.

Your recent abdominal ultrasound shows that you have polycystic kidneys and nephrolithiasis (kidney stones). Multiple stones were detected, and large cysts can naturally cause pain. If a cyst ruptures, it may lead to hematuria (blood in the urine), in which case I suggest you should see a doctor. For now, you can take Paracetamol to manage the pain.

I suggest you undergo the following blood investigations:

Urea.
Creatinine.
Urine routine.
Urine protein-to-creatinine ratio.
Electrolytes.
Calcium.
Phosphorus.

Please provide the results of these tests for further analysis.

I hope this helps.

Please revert so I can assist you further.

Thank you.