what is cystic kidneys?

 Cystic kidneys refer to a group of conditions that cause fluid-filled sacs or cysts to form in or around the kidneys. There are different types of cystic kidney diseases, including simple kidney cysts, acquired cystic kidney disease, and polycystic kidney disease (PKD) 

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Symptoms and Diagnosis

Simple kidney cysts usually do not cause symptoms and are often found during an imaging test for another condition. If symptoms do occur, they may include pain in the side, back, or upper abdomen, fever, chills, blood in the urine, or impaired kidney function

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. Imaging tests, such as ultrasound, CT, or MRI, are used to diagnose simple kidney cysts 

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.Acquired cystic kidney disease can cause cysts to form in patients with chronic kidney disease. The cysts can cause complications such as infections, bleeding, or blockage of urine flow

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.PKD is an inherent disorder that causes clusters of cysts to develop primarily within the kidneys, leading to kidney enlargement and loss of function over time. Symptoms of PKD may include high blood pressure, pain in the back and side, blood in the urine, or frequent kidney infections

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. Diagnosis of PKD is usually done through imaging tests, such as ultrasound, CT, or MRI 

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Treatment and Prognosis

Treatment for cystic kidneys depends on the type of cystic kidney disease and the severity of symptoms. Simple kidney cysts usually do not require treatment unless they cause symptoms or complications. Acquired cystic kidney disease may require treatment if complications occur. PKD has no cure, but medications such as tolvaptan can be used to reduce the growth rate of cysts. Treatment for PKD also involves managing complications such as high blood pressure, pain, and kidney stones

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.The prognosis for cystic kidneys varies depending on the type of cystic kidney disease and the severity of the condition. Simple kidney cysts rarely harm kidneys or impair their ability to function. Acquired cystic kidney disease can lead to complications such as infections, bleeding, or blockage of urine flow. PKD can cause serious complications, including high blood pressure and kidney failure. The severity of PKD varies from person to person, and some complications are preventable

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.If you suspect you have cystic kidneys or have been diagnosed with a cystic kidney disease, it is important to discuss your treatment options with your healthcare provider.

Citation:

[1] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/kidney-cysts/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20374138

[2] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/polycystic-kidney-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20352820

[3] https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/453831-overview

[4] https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/simple-kidney-cysts

[5] https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/autosomal-dominant-polycystic-kidney-disease-adpkd/treatment/

[6] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/polycystic-kidney-disease/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352825

[7] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/kidney-cysts/symptoms-causes/syc-20374134

[8] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470390/

[9] https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/kidney-cyst-causes-symptoms-treatments

[10] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK554504/

[11] https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21846-cystic-kidney-disease

[12] https://www.narayanahealth.org/blog/renal-cysts/amp/

[13] https://familydoctor.org/condition/kidney-cysts/

[14] https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/polycystic-kidney-disease

[15] https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14884-kidney-cysts

[16] https://www.healthline.com/health/kidney-cyst

[17] https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/autosomal-dominant-polycystic-kidney-disease-adpkd/symptoms/

[18] https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/246888-overview

[19] https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/kidney-disease/polycystic-kidney-disease/what-is-pkd

[20] https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/kidney-disease/acquired-cystic-kidney-disease

[21] https://medlineplus.gov/kidneycysts.html

[22] https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/polycystic

[23] https://www.kidneyfund.org/all-about-kidneys/types-kidney-diseases/polycystic-kidney-disease