Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a genetic disorder that affects more than 600,000 people in the United States, as estimated by the American Kidney Fund. There are two types of genetic PKD: autosomal dominant and autosomal recessive. Each form of PKD causes cysts to form within or on the kidneys. If you develop any of the symptoms associated with PKD, speak with your doctor for further evaluation and care.
Back Pain
The most common symptom associated with PKD is back pain. If you have PKD, pain in the back can be intermittent or persistent and can radiate around the sides of the body. Headaches are also commonly experienced by people with PKD. The severity of your back or headache pain can vary from mild to severe.
Cysts
Though cyst formation on the kidneys is an obvious consequence of PKD, this condition can also cause cysts to form on surrounding organs, such as the liver or pancreas. If cysts begin to form on these organs, you can develop additional symptoms associated with liver or pancreatic damage.
Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections
If you have kidney cysts, you may experience recurrent urinary tract infections, explains the University of Kansas Hospital. Symptoms of a urinary tract infection include frequent or urgent urination, a burning or painful sensation during urination or lower abdominal or back pain. Recurrent urinary tract infections can significantly damage your kidneys and require additional medical treatment to resolve symptoms.
Hematuria
Blood within the urine---a condition called hematuria---can arise as a result of PKD. If this occurs, your urine can appear orange, pink or red in color. Speak with your doctor for additional care, as this symptom can also be indicative of additional medical problems.
Kidney Stones
Abnormal cysts within the kidneys can cause kidney stones to develop in some people. A kidney stone is a solid crystalline mass that can form from excess waste products in the urine, such as calcium or phosphate. If you develop a kidney stone, additional symptoms such as sudden and severe pain, abdominal cramping, nausea or vomiting can occur.
High Blood Pressure
PKD can significantly alter the normal function of your kidneys. Kidney damage can interfere with your body's ability to remove excess waste products, such as water and salt, from your blood. If this occurs, your blood pressure may increase.
