Managing Pain in Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD)

Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a genetic condition characterized by the development of noncancerous, fluid-filled sacs (cysts) in the kidneys and elsewhere in the body. Abdominal pain and headaches are common symptoms of PKD.

Facts

• Abdominal pain from PKD can be caused by bleeding into cysts, cyst infection and tissue-stretching caused by growing cysts. Headaches related to PKD can result from abnormally high blood pressure or the development of ballooned blood vessels in the brain (aneurysms).

Significance

• Advanced PKD is a common cause of kidney failure. Related pain may indicate progression of the disease or signal the potential for life-threatening complications from an aneurysm.

Abdominal Pain

• Mild PKD-related abdominal pain is typically treated with over-the-counter medications containing acetaminophen (Tylenol). Severe pain is treated by surgery to drain the fluid from cysts.

Headaches

• Headaches caused by high blood pressure can be controlled through lifestyle modifications or blood pressure medications. Aneurysms may need to be surgically repaired.

Considerations

• Surgery to drain cysts may provide only temporary pain relief. A PKD sufferer with recurring or serious headaches should talk to a doctor before using any medications.