Complications
Complication: Brain Aneurysm
PKD is not limited to the kidneys alone. It can also affect the brain, causing an aneurysm. An aneurysm is a bulge in a blood vessel in the brain, called a hemorrhage, that can be fatal if ruptured. They are not unique to the brain, but they are most dangerous when they are in the brain. Ruptured aneurysms are accompanied by extremely severe headaches, nausea, vision problems, seizures, loss of consciousness, and confusion. If you experience an extremely sudden, extremely severe headache, consult your doctor immediately. If you notice pain behind your eyes, blurry vision, dilated pupils, or numbness in one side of your face, you may have an untreated aneurysm and should also seek immediate medical care.
Complication: Heart Valve Abnormalities
PKD can also hurt the heart. People afflicted with PKD can develop mitral valve prolapse, a condition that prevents the valves in the heart from closing properly, letting the blood flow backwards. It is sometimes accompanied with arrhythmia, difficulty breathing, dizziness, or chest pain. This is not frequently a life-threatening condition, but if you fear you may have this condition, consult a doctor. It is not self-diagnosable.
Complication: Colon Problems
Sections of the colon may grow weak, allowing pouches to form in its wall. This is called diverticulosis.
Complication: Chronic Pain
People with Polycystic Kidney Disease may be afflicted with chronic pain in their side or their back. This stems from the pain of having cysts in your kidney, although when your back or side is hurting, it may be hard to tell that your kidneys are specifically the problem.
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Did you know...
- Need a quick cool down? Try drinking some hot liquid. It's true! As counterintuitive as it may seem, the heat from hot liquids will raise your body temperature. This will heat you up and cause you to sweat. The increased perspiration will wind up helping you feel cooler as it evaporates. Try it out!
- Starting to feel claustrophobic? The smells of apples may help keep your claustrophobic feelings at bay according to a 1995 study by Dr. Alan Hirsch. Green apples, specifically, helped people change their perception of their space. Maybe they thought of expansive apple orchards? Cucumbers and barbecue made the feelings worse.
- 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.
- 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!
- 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!