Causes and Types
Causes
Polycystic Kidney Disease is an inherited genetic disorder. Because of this, it often runs in families of people who either have it or who are unknowingly carriers of the abnormal genes. Because it is typically passed down through dominant genes, it is very difficult for PKD to skip a generation. If you have it, more than likely your parents do too. On the flip side, if you’re parents do not have it, you will likely not have it.
Types: Autosomal Dominant PKD
This is the most common type of PKD, forming about 90% of cases. In this variant, the genes being passed down are dominant. Because of this, children need only one copy of a dominant gene to cause the disease. Only one parent has to have the disease for them to pass the disease to their children. This is the form of the disease that flares up after the afflicted person is over 30 years of age.
Types: Infantile or Autosomal Recessive PKD
Because this type of PKD is recessive, both parents must be carrying a recessive PKD gene to pass down this type of Polycystic Kidney Disease. This variant begins much earlier than the Autosomal Dominant PKD variant. It often begins in either the womb or early childhood and is very serious. Often, it is fatal to the young, afflicted children. This form of PKD is very rare.
Image via: Pinterest.
Did you know...
- Just saying the words "thank you" can measurably improve your mood. Researchers can actually measure happiness and changes in brain structure when people practiced regular "grateful thinking." This included things like writing thank you notes, writing gratitude journal entries, mindfully counting their blessings, and thanking friends. It may be helpful in overcoming depression!
- A hearty laugh is good for the heart. Laughing can increase blood flow by 20%. Additionally, looking on the bright side can help you live longer. Studies have shown that a more optimistic outlook is linked to a healthier heart, lower blood pressure, and a lower risk for coronary artery disease.
- Have you ever told your husband something and he promptly forgets it? It's not his fault, actually. It really is because he's a man. The hippocampus (the part of the brain that deals with memory) begins to shrink with age faster in men than it does in women. That's why you can remember everything, and he can't!
- Does your job make you stressed? We all know that stress is psychologically bad for you, but it also has an effect on…your allergies? A Harvard Medical School study has shown that stress causes your allergies to become worse because your body's defense response loses efficacy when repeatedly triggered by stress. Then, when you really need to physically fight something off, you're less able to!
- Are you currently or often tired? As contradictory as it may sound, one of the best things you can do is exercise! It gives you more energy by improving your blood flow and increasing your oxygen throughout your body. You don't need to do much; a brisk walk is all it takes!