Cystic kidney disease

Cystic Kidney Disease

Cystic kidney disease (pronunciation: /ˈsɪstɪk ˈkɪdni dɪˈziːz/) is a term that refers to several different diseases characterized by the development of cysts in the kidneys.

Etymology

The term "cystic" is derived from the Greek word "kystis," which means bladder or sac. "Kidney" is derived from the Old English word "cwið," which means womb, a reference to the kidney's role in filtering waste from the body. "Disease" comes from the Old French "desaise," which means lack of ease or discomfort.

Types of Cystic Kidney Disease

There are several types of cystic kidney disease, including:

Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD): This is the most common form of cystic kidney disease, and it is characterized by the growth of numerous cysts in the kidneys. PKD can be further divided into two types: autosomal dominant PKD and autosomal recessive PKD.

Medullary Cystic Kidney Disease (MCKD): This is a rare form of cystic kidney disease that affects the inner part of the kidney. It is usually inherited and can lead to kidney failure.

Acquired Cystic Kidney Disease (ACKD): This form of cystic kidney disease develops in individuals who already have chronic kidney disease, particularly those on dialysis.

Symptoms

Symptoms of cystic kidney disease can vary depending on the specific type of disease, but they often include back pain, blood in the urine, high blood pressure, and kidney stones. In severe cases, cystic kidney disease can lead to kidney failure.

Treatment

Treatment for cystic kidney disease typically involves managing symptoms and slowing the progression of the disease. This can include pain management, blood pressure control, and in some cases, dialysis or kidney transplant.