Polycystic kidney disease is a genetic disorder characterized by the growth of numerous cysts in the kidneys. When cysts form in the kidneys, they are filled with fluid, destroying the nephrons. Polycystic kidney disease cysts can profoundly enlarge the kidneys while replacing much of the structure, resulting in reduced kidney function and leading to kidney failure.

Causes of polycystic kidney disease

Although both types of polycystic kidney disease are genetically transmitted, the incidence in two distinct age groups and the different inheritance patterns suggests there may be two unrelated disorders. The infantile type appears to be inherited as an autosomal recessive trait; the adult type, as an autosomal dominant trait.

Clinical manifestations of polycystic kidney disease

Signs and symptoms of polycystic kidney disease result from loss of renal function and the increasing size of the kidney as the cysts grow renal damage can result in haematuria, polyuria, hypertension, development of renal calculi and associated urinary tract infections, and protienuria. The growing cysts can also be associated with abdominal fullness and flank pain.

Diagnosis of polycystic kidney disease

A family history and a physical examination revealing large bilateral, irregular masses in the flanks strongly suggest polycystic kidney disease. In advanced stages, grossly enlarged and palpable kidneys make the diagnosis obvious. In patients with thsese findings, the following laboratory results are typical:

Exceratory urography reveals enlarged kidneys, with elongation of pelvis, flattening of the calyces, and indentations caused by cysts, excretory urography of the neonate shows poor excretion of contrast medium.

Ultrasound and CT Scan show kidney enlargement and the presence of cysts; tomography demonstrates multiple areas of cystic damage.

Urinalysis and creatinine clearance tests are nonspecific tests that evaluate renal function and reveal urine protein or blood in the urine.

Diagnosis must rule out the presence of renal tumors.

Complications of polycystic kidney disease

In adults, this disease may cause recurrent haematuria, life-threatening retroperitoneal bleeding from cysts rupture, protienuria, and colicky abdominal pain from the urethral passage of clots or calculi. In most cases, progressive comparisons of kidney structures by the enlarging mass produces renal failure about 10 years after symptoms appears.

Homeopathic treatment of polycystic kidney disease

Homeopathy is one of the most popular holistic systems of medicine. The selection of remedy is based upon the theory of individualization and symptoms similarity by using holistic approach. This is the only way through which a state of complete health can be regained by removing all the sign and symptoms from which the patient is suffering. The aim of homeopathy is not only to treat polycystic kidney disease but to address its underlying cause and individual susceptibility. As far as therapeutic medication is concerned, several remedies are available to treat polycystic kidney disease that can be selected on the basis of cause, sensations and modalities of the complaints.  For individualized remedy selection and treatment, the patient should consult a qualified homeopathic doctor in person. There are following remedies which are helpful in the treatment of polycystic kidney disease:

Kreosote, Sulphur, Uranium Nitricum, Cannabis Indica, Argentum Met, Gelsemium, Mercurius, Pulsatilla, Rhus Tox, Argentum Nitricum, Arsenic Album, Cantharis, Sabina, Lachesis, China, Coffea, and many other medicines.