How Does PKD Affect Digestive System

2015-02-14 06:44

When kidneys fail to work normally due to Polycystic Kidney Disease, any parts of our body might be involved, including digestive system. Well, how does PKD affect digestive system?

As a genetic kidney disorder, PKD affect our daily life in many ways and it mainly affects digestive system in the following ways:

1. Enlarged kidney oppresses intestines and stomach.

Different from many other types of chronic kidney problem which also lead to atrophy of kidney, PKD usually results in kidney growth. PKD passes down from generation to generation. Due to PKD gene, more and more cysts are formed in kidney, which always makes kidney large in size. Kidneys are located in the abdominal cavity. When kidneys become very large in size, they oppress intestines and stomach easily, which can lead to a series of digestive problems.

Besides, enlarged kidney also oppress other organs and cause serious complications, so in some cases, enlarged kidneys are always suggested to be removed. At that time, dialysis and kidney transplant are the last two life-sustaining ways.

2. High levels of toxins in blood affect digestive system.

As a natural filter of our body, kidneys help us remove harmful and toxic substances out of the body through urine. However, when kidney function is severely impaired due to Polycystic Kidney Disease, these harmful substances will build up in the blood, which may lead to intestines and stomach ulcers and affect digestive system.

3. Strict diet limitation

Strict diet limitation is needed with PKD, so as to reduce kidney burden and protect residual kidney tissues. Usually, when kidneys are severely damaged, many fruits and vegetables should be avoided. If this condition lasts for a long time, digestive problems like dyspepsia also can be caused.

In PKD, the most common digestive problems include poor appetite, nausea and vomiting, which are really troublesome. Some home remedies can be applied to alleviate these symptoms. If you want to learn more, please leave a message below.

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