Polycystic Kidney Disease Awareness Day

September is known for Polycystic Kidney Disease Awareness Day. In September of each year, people in and all across Ontario, are encouraged to learn more about these chronic kidney diseases and to support the challenges faced by people living with them.

While the risk of illness increases with age, research suggests that one of the biggest health concerns for seniors is chronic kidney disease. Chronic kidney disease is a very common clinical problem in elderly patients and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. As life expectancy continues to improve worldwide, there is a rising prevalence of chronic illness and risk factors, such as hypertension and diabetes, predisposing a high burden of kidney disease in this population.

What causes Polycystic Kidney Disease?

Polycystic Kidney Disease is a genetic disease, caused by an abnormality with one’s genes, less commonly develops in people with serious kidney issues. Polycystic Kidney Disease causes cysts to grow inside the kidneys, which basically enlarges the kidney, damaging the tissue that the kidneys are made of.

If you or your loved one is struggling with any chronic kidney disease, a local health care agency in Mississauga, Oakville or Burlington, like iCare Home Health, can help you manage your health from the comfort of your home.

What are the symptoms of polycystic kidney disease?

Though, most people do not develop symptoms associated with this disease, but the first noticeable signs and symptoms may include:

• The most common symptom of polycystic kidney disease is high blood pressure, occasionally patients with PKD can experience severe headaches and fatigue as a symptom.
• Pain or tenderness in the abdomen
• Blood in the urine or frequent urination
• Pain or heaviness in the back or sides
• Frequent bladder or kidney infections
• Urinary tract infection (UTI)

Treatment for polycystic kidney disease

For now, there hasn’t been any particular cure for polycystic kidney disease. The treatment simply one can have is, to manage symptoms and avoid complications. As High Blood Pressure is the most common symptom found in the patients, controlling blood pressure is a must. If you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, you can connect with a premiere health care service, and find out how they can help you manage your diagnosis.

Some of the basic treatment options may include:

• Antibiotics to treat UTI
• Follow a low-salt, low-fat diet.
• Prompt treatment with antibiotics for a bladder or kidney infection
• Drinking lots of plain water throughout the day
• Avoiding caffeine

Polycystic kidney disease is an inherited disease and is generally passed from parents to children. A genetic disease can happen if one or both parents pass abnormal genes to a child. If any of your family members have been diagnosed with PKD, the best thing you can do for your loved one is to connect with a Mississauga health care agencies.

Agencies that provide Personal Support workers (PSW) like iCare Home Health can provide the best elder home health care and regular visits to ensure you or your loved one receives the highest quality of care. Our caregivers in Mississauga, Burlington, and Oakville are committed to treating our patients with care, respect, and dignity. iCare Home Health is the friendly support you’ve been searching for. Contact us to learn how we can assist you, and visit our website to find out more.