The two bean-shaped organs located at the back of the abdomen are the kidneys. Filtering waste products from the blood and excreting them in the urine is their job.
Kidney cysts are a common problem for many people. In fact, according to the National Kidney Foundation, about 1 in 20 people have kidney cysts.
While most of these cysts are benign and cause no problems, it is important to be aware of the symptoms of kidney cysts so that you can get treatment if necessary. In this blog post, we will discuss the 10 most common symptoms of kidney cysts.
What Are Kidney/Renal cysts?
Kidney cysts are fluid-filled sacs that form on or in the kidneys. They are relatively common, and most people with kidney cysts do not experience any symptoms.
In some cases, however, the cysts can grow large enough to cause pain or other problems. Kidney cysts can be either simple or complex. Simple kidney cysts are usually harmless and do not require treatment.
Complex kidney cysts, on the other hand, may be associated with serious health conditions like renal cell carcinoma (a type of kidney cancer).
It is important to know the difference between simple and complex kidney cysts so that you can get the treatment you need, if necessary.
10 Symptoms of Kidney Cysts
Kidney cysts are fluid-filled sacs that can develop on the kidneys. While most kidney cysts are benign and cause no problems, some can be cancerous.
If you have any of the following symptoms, you may have kidney cysts:
- Back pain
- Abdominal pain
- Frequent urination
- Blood in your urine
- Swelling in your abdomen or legs
- High blood pressure
- Kidney stones
- Anemia
- Loss of appetite
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible. Kidney cysts can often be treated successfully if they are caught early.
If you wait too long, however, the cysts can cause irreparable damage to your kidneys. Don’t take chances with your health. If you think you may have kidney cysts, make an appointment to see a doctor today.
Types Of Kidney Cysts
There are two main types of the kidney (renal cysts): simple kidney cysts and complex kidney cysts.
Simple kidney cysts are the most common type of kidney cyst. They usually don’t cause any symptoms and don’t require treatment, but what causes simple kidney cysts is still unknown.
Simple kidney cysts that are causing symptoms or obstructing the normal flow of blood or urine through the kidney may require sclerotherapy treatment.
Complex kidney cysts are less common but can be more serious. They may cause pain, infection, or damage to your kidneys. Treatment may be needed to remove them or relieve your symptoms.
What Causes Kidney Cysts?
The exact cause of kidney cysts is unknown. However, they are more common in people over the age of 50 and in those with a family history of kidney cysts.
Kidney cysts can also be caused by certain medical conditions, such as polycystic kidney disease (PKD) and medullary sponge kidney (MSK).
Kidney Cysts: How Are They Diagnosed?
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computerized tomography (CT) scans are commonly used to detect kidney cysts. Your doctor may order one of these tests if you are experiencing symptoms that could be caused by a kidney cyst.
When your doctor discovers the cyst, he or she will likely order additional tests to determine whether it is simple or complex, as well as whether there are any complications. These tests may include a kidney biopsy, in which a small sample of tissue is removed from the kidney for examination.
How Are Kidney Cysts Treated?
Treatment for kidney cysts depends on the type of cyst you have. Simple kidney cysts do not usually require treatment and often go away on their own.
Complex kidney cysts, on the other hand, may need to be treated with surgery or other medical interventions.
If you have a complex kidney cyst, your doctor will likely recommend surgery to remove it. In some cases, complex kidney cysts can also be treated with medications or procedures that drain the fluid from the cyst.
Kidney cysts are relatively common, and most people with them do not experience any symptoms. However, it is important to see a doctor if you think you may have kidney cysts so that they can be properly diagnosed and treated, if necessary.!
Foods To Eat To Help Your Kidneys
When it comes to kidney health, what you eat is just as important as what you don’t eat. Here are five foods to include in your diet to help keep your kidneys healthy and functioning properly:
Water
As the main component of urine, water helps flush out toxins and waste from the body. Aim for eight glasses of water a day.
Fruits And Vegetables
These foods are high in antioxidants, which protect the body against damage from free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can contribute to cell damage and inflammation.
Berries
Blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries are especially good for kidney health because they contain anthocyanins, which have been shown to reduce inflammation.
Nuts And Seeds
Nuts and seeds are a good source of magnesium, a mineral that helps regulate blood pressure. They’re also high in fiber, which can help lower cholesterol levels.
Fish
Fish is a good source of omega-three fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties. Omega-three fatty acids can also help reduce the risk of heart disease, the leading cause of death in people with kidney disease.
Conclusion
Kidney cysts are fluid-filled sacs that can form on the kidney. They are usually benign and do not cause any symptoms. However, large cysts can cause pain and may require treatment.
If you have any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor, so they can rule out other potential causes. Kidney cysts are typically diagnosed with an imaging test such as an ultrasound or CT scan.
Treatment is typically only necessary if the cyst is causing pain or other problems. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the cyst.
