Final answer:
Polycystic kidney disease is a genetic disorder causing cyst development in the kidneys, potentially leading to kidney failure. Symptoms include high blood pressure and urinary issues, with possible dialysis or transplantation as treatment. It's one of many kidney disorders, including congenital and acquired diseases that can impact kidney function.
Step-by-step explanation:
Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a genetic disorder characterized by the development and growth of multiple abnormal cysts in the kidneys. These cysts can cause the kidneys to become enlarged and impair their function over time. PKD is typically an inherited condition, with symptoms that can include high blood pressure, headaches, abdominal pain, blood in the urine, and excessive urination. Both types of PKD, autosomal dominant and autosomal recessive, affect both kidneys and may lead to kidney failure. Kidney failure from conditions like PKD or diabetic nephropathy might require treatments such as kidney transplantation or hemodialysis, where the patient's blood is filtered through a machine.
Alongside the primary symptoms mentioned, PKD can lead to severe complications, including enlarged kidneys and impaired kidney function. As cysts grow, they can cause the kidneys to become excessively large, displacing other organs and leading to complications. PKD can result in kidney failure, necessitating dialysis or transplantation for the patient to survive.
There are several other kidney conditions that can affect kidney function. These include congenital disorders like horseshoe kidney and unilateral small kidney, as well as acquired disorders such as glomerulonephritis and hydronephrosis. Other serious kidney-related issues include kidney stones, kidney tumors, and lupus nephritis.