There is currently no treatment that can stop autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) from forming cysts in the kidneys, and the condition cannot be cured.
So treatment for ADPKD aims to control the condition’s symptoms, limit kidney damage and prevent complications.
High blood pressure
Two medications that are widely used to lower blood pressure in people with ADPKD are:
- angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
- angiotensin-2 receptor antagonists (ARAs)
Both medications work by blocking the actions of some of the hormones that help to regulate blood pressure. By stopping these hormones from working, the medication reduces the amount of water in your blood and widens your arteries, both of which will lower your blood pressure.
Side effects of ACE inhibitors include:
- dizziness
- tiredness or weakness
- headaches
- a persistent dry cough
Most of these side effects should pass in a few days, although some people continue to have a dry cough.
Side effects of ARA include:
- dizziness
- fatigue
- nausea
- low blood pressure, which can make you feel faint and dizzy if you suddenly stand up from a sitting or lying position
There are a number of different ACE inhibitors and ARAs available. Therefore, if you are having particularly troublesome side effects, you should inform your GP because another type of medication may suit you better.
Eat no more than 6g (0.2oz) of salt a day, because too much salt will increase your blood pressure. (6g of salt is about one teaspoonful).
See the A-Z topic about High blood pressure - treatment for more information.
Pain
In many cases of ADPKD, treating the underlying cause of pain, such as kidney stones or a urinary tract infection (UTI), will help to relieve the painful symptoms.
If you need a painkiller, take paracetamol.
Never take the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) type of painkiller, such as ibuprofen or aspirin, because they could damage your kidney further.
If you have symptoms of chronic (long-term) pain, you may be referred to a specialist pain clinic. Possible treatment options that the clinic may provide include:
- amitriptyline – a medication that was originally designed to treat depression but is also effective at treating some types of pain
- nerve block – this is where an injection of anaesthetic is used to temporarily ‘turn off’ groups of nerves that are transmitting pain signals to your brain
Kidney stones
Small kidney stones pass out of your body when you urinate. Larger stones that are 6-7mm (0.3in) in diameter may require treatment. Treatment options for kidney stones include:
- using energy waves to break the stone into smaller pieces – this is known as extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy
- using a thin telescopic instrument called a nephroscope to remove the stone through a small incision (cut) that is made in your back
See the Health A-Z topic about Kidney stones - treatment for more information.
Urinary tract infections
UTIs can be treated with antibiotics. A three to seven-day course is usually recommended for treating a lower UTI, and a 7 to 14-day course is usually used to treat an upper UTI.
Drink plenty of fluids while you are waiting for the antibiotics to take effect as this will help to relieve symptoms of a high temperature. Paracetamol can be used to relieve pain.
See the Health A-Z topic about UTIs - treatment for more information and advice.
