kidney cysts

I (35) have married recently. I am suffering from polycystic kidney disease (small cysts in the kidneys). I have also developed high blood pressure. My father and uncle had the same problem and died of kidney failure. Is there any chance of my children getting it? Please advice.

In 90 per cent of cases, Polycystic kidney diseases are inherited from parents. However, all children of affected parents may not suffer from the disease. Besides high blood pressure, a patient may have severe pain in the abdomen due to the kidneys’ enlargement. Urinary tract infection, blood in urine and even bleeding in brain may occur. Hypertension and other problems should be treated aggressively as soon as they occur. Early diagnosis, even during late pregnancy, is possible by ultrasonography. Serial ultrasonography at intervals in such children is required as most of the time the problem starts in middle age.

scanty urine

My 12-year-old son had fever and rashes on his legs two weeks back. Since the past three to four days, his face is swollen and his urine has become scanty and reddish. What should I do?

Your son is suffering from infective nephritis. It gets cured completely, sometimes even without any treatment. He needs rest, salt and water restriction. Medications like frusemide are needed for treating swelling and antibiotics for the infection. He may also need medication for high blood pressure. He should also go for saline gargle for sore throat and take paracetamols for fever.

enlarged prostate

I am a 72-year-old man. I have been facing difficulty in passing urine for the past few months. Even after passing urine, I feel I have to urinate again. Can you please suggest a cure?

You may be suffering from enlargement of the prostate gland, which is common among people of your age. In this problem, increased frequency of urination, excessive urge for urination at night and delay in initiating urination take place. Retention of urine is a common outcome. Many of these symptoms are harmless and can be controlled by medication. Nevertheless, it’s advisable to go for an ultrasonography to measure the extent of prostate gland enlargement. If it’s abnormally enlarged, you may require surgery. Nowadays, such surgeries are non-invasive.

blood pressure

My son (18) complains of headaches and poor vision. His blood pressure at times becomes 200/100, despite taking three medicines supposed to lower it. His blood pressure often fluctuates and rarely becomes normal. Please suggest a way out to protect his kidneys.

Hypertension can be the cause or the result of kidney disease. Besides restricting salt consumption and increasing the dose of his medicines, you should immediately get his blood and urine tested. He should also undergo an ultrasonography so that the problem is easily diagonised. Nephritis, renal artery stenosis (narrowing of renal artery) and adrenal gland tumour should be ruled out in your son’s case. Young people may also suffer from high blood pressure due to the Cushing’s syndrome (a condition characterised by obesity and muscular weakness), thyroid problem or steroids. Uncontrolled high blood pressure for a long time may cause bleeding from the nose, in the brain, blindness or damage to the kidneys.

renal failure

I (58) have been suffering from diabetes for 20 years. Recently my legs have started swelling. I feel weak, cannot see properly and have lost my appetite. A blood test has revealed that I have kidney failure. Please help.

You are probably suffering from chronic renal failure due to uncontrolled diabetes. You may also suffer from reduced sleep, nausea, vomiting, itching, hiccups, cramps, anaemia or high blood pressure. You should strictly control your sugar and restrict consumption of proteins and salt. Consult an eye specialist, as diabetes can lead to blindness.