Polycystic Kidney Disease Symptoms

Polycystic kidney disease symptoms typically result from the cysts (fluid-filled sacs) that the disease promotes. These cysts interfere with the kidneys' ability to filter waste products from the blood, and can potentially lead to kidney failure. Among the symptoms of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease are headaches and pain in the back and the sides. A few symptoms of autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease include high blood pressure, varicose veins, and low blood-cell counts. Some symptoms of acquired cystic kidney disease include a decrease in urination and urinary tract infections.
 

Polycystic Kidney Disease Symptoms: An Overview

When a person has polycystic kidney disease (PKD), clusters of fluid-filled sacs (cysts) develop in the kidneys and interfere with their ability to filter waste products from the blood. The growth of cysts causes the kidneys to become enlarged, and can lead to kidney failure. Cysts may also develop in other organs, particularly the liver, spleen, and pancreas. Polycystic kidney disease symptoms occur because of these cysts and the damage they cause.
 
We will now look at symptoms associated with the three types of polycystic kidney disease:
 
 

Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease Symptoms

The most common autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease symptoms are:
 
  • Pain in the back and the sides (between the ribs and hips)
  • Headaches.
     
When a person experiences these headaches, the dull pain can be temporary or persistent, and mild or severe.
 
Other polycystic kidney disease symptoms seen in autosomal dominant PKD include:
 
(Polycystic Kidney Disease Symptoms Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD