The kidney is a critical organ in your body because it filters your blood of wastes and maintains balanced electrolytes (mineral) levels. Sometimes, your kidney malfunctions because of damage or abnormal structures forming within your kidney. Polycystic kidney disease, alport syndrome and medullary cystic kidney disease are a few genetic kidney diseases.
Polycystic Kidney Disease
Polycystic kidney disease is an inherited disorder in which you develop cysts (fluid-filled collections) in your kidneys. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms of polycystic kidney disease include a headache, high blood pressure, kidney stones, frequent urination, bloody urine and flank pain. It can also cause urinary tract infections and kidney failure. Your doctor will treat the individual manifestations of kidney disease. Medications such as angiotensin-converting enzymes can treat high blood pressure. Acetaminophen can treat your flank pain. Antibiotic medications can treat urinary tract infections while surgery can be used to drain the cysts. Dialysis and even a kidney transplant might be necessary when you have kidney failure.
Alport Syndrome
According to MedlinePlus, alport syndrome is another inherited disorder that causes kidney damage. Specifically, there exists an alteration in the gene that makes collagen. This disease typically affects males and is characterized by bloody urine, a cough, eye swelling, hearing loss and feet or ankle swelling. MedlinePlus says that like polycystic kidney disease, alport syndrome can also lead to end stage renal (kidney) failure.
Again, treatment is symptomatic. Your doctor will prescribe drugs to control high blood pressure. She will also change your diet and restrict your fluid intake. Dialysis and kidney transplantation might be necessary for you to survive. Hearing aids might become necessary.
Medullary Cystic Kidney Disease
Medullary cystic kidney disease is a genetic disorder characterized by cyst formations in the middle of your kidneys. Physical signs of this medical problem include low blood pressure (hypotension), frequent urination, weakness and salt cravings. MedlinePlus indicates that as the disease progresses, you can develop confusion, nausea, headache, itching, sleepiness, delirium and even fall into a coma. No cure exists for medullary cystic kidney disease and dialysis and kidney transplant might be necessary.
