Polycystic Kidney Disease Treatment in Burlingame, Daly City, and San Mateo County | Dr. Leena Joshi, MD
Last reviewed by Dr. Leena Joshi, MD on July 2026
Polycystic kidney disease is a genetic disorder that causes fluid-filled cysts to grow in the kidneys, potentially leading to kidney failure over time. Dr. Leena Joshi treats polycystic kidney disease through personalized management plans that may include blood pressure control, medication to slow cyst growth, pain management, and monitoring kidney function. As a polycystic kidney disease specialist in the Bay Area, Dr. Joshi provides comprehensive care to help patients maintain kidney health and quality of life.
What is polycystic kidney disease?
Polycystic kidney disease, often called PKD, is a condition where many fluid-filled sacs called cysts grow inside the kidneys. These cysts are not cancer, but they can make the kidneys grow very large and stop working properly over time. Most people inherit PKD from their parents through their genes. The two main types are autosomal dominant PKD, which usually appears in adulthood, and autosomal recessive PKD, which is rarer and appears in childhood. As the cysts grow and multiply, they can damage healthy kidney tissue. This damage may lead to high blood pressure, kidney infections, and eventually kidney failure. Dr. Joshi helps patients in Burlingame, Daly City, and San Mateo County understand their specific type of PKD and what to expect as the condition progresses.
Signs and symptoms
- Pain or heaviness in the back, side, or abdomen
- High blood pressure that may be difficult to control
- Blood in the urine
- Frequent kidney infections or urinary tract infections
- Kidney stones
- Headaches that may be severe
- Feeling of fullness in the abdomen as kidneys enlarge
How Dr. Joshi manages polycystic kidney disease
Dr. Joshi creates individualized treatment plans for each patient with polycystic kidney disease based on their symptoms, kidney function, and overall health. Management may include medications to control blood pressure, which is critical for slowing kidney damage. Dr. Joshi may prescribe tolvaptan, a medication that can slow the growth of kidney cysts in certain patients with rapidly progressing disease. Pain management strategies may include medications or, in some cases, procedures to drain or remove large cysts. Dr. Joshi monitors kidney function through regular blood tests and imaging studies to track disease progression. The treatment plan may also address complications such as kidney infections with prompt antibiotic therapy. Dr. Joshi provides guidance on dietary modifications, including sodium and protein intake, that may help protect kidney function. As a polycystic kidney disease specialist serving the Bay Area, Dr. Joshi works closely with patients to prepare for potential dialysis or kidney transplantation if kidney function declines significantly. Regular follow-up appointments allow Dr. Joshi to adjust treatment as the disease evolves.
When to see a nephrologist for polycystic kidney disease
- You have a family history of PKD and want screening or genetic counseling
- You have been diagnosed with PKD and need ongoing management
- Your blood pressure is difficult to control
- You experience new or worsening abdominal or back pain
- You notice blood in your urine
- You have frequent kidney or urinary tract infections
- Your kidney function tests show declining results
Frequently asked questions
Is there a cure for polycystic kidney disease?
There is currently no cure for polycystic kidney disease, but Dr. Joshi can help manage symptoms and slow disease progression. Treatment focuses on controlling blood pressure, managing pain, preventing complications, and preserving kidney function for as long as possible.
Will I need dialysis if I have PKD?
Not everyone with polycystic kidney disease will need dialysis. The progression varies greatly among individuals. Dr. Joshi monitors kidney function regularly to determine if and when dialysis or transplantation may become necessary. Many patients maintain adequate kidney function for decades.
Can diet changes help with polycystic kidney disease?
Yes, dietary modifications may help manage PKD. Dr. Joshi may recommend limiting sodium to help control blood pressure, moderating protein intake, and staying well hydrated. Your physician will determine the specific dietary plan that is right for your stage of disease.
Should my children be tested for PKD?
If you have autosomal dominant PKD, each of your children has a 50 percent chance of inheriting the condition. Dr. Joshi can discuss genetic testing and screening options. Testing decisions depend on family preferences and whether early detection would change management.
What medications are available for PKD?
Dr. Joshi may prescribe blood pressure medications such as ACE inhibitors or ARBs to protect kidney function. Tolvaptan is a medication that may slow cyst growth in certain patients with rapidly progressing disease. Pain medications and antibiotics for infections may also be part of your treatment plan.
How often will I need appointments for PKD management?
Appointment frequency depends on your disease stage and symptoms. Dr. Joshi typically sees patients with polycystic kidney disease every three to six months for monitoring. More frequent visits may be needed if complications develop or kidney function declines.
Schedule a consultation
Dr. Leena Joshi, MD provides expert polycystic kidney disease care at two convenient Bay Area locations. The Burlingame office is located at 1750 El Camino Real, Suite 301, Burlingame, CA. The Daly City office is at 1800 Sullivan Ave, Suite 507, Daly City, CA. Call (650) 355-5551 to schedule a consultation.
This page is for general education and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your physician about your specific situation.
Medically reviewed by Leena Joshi, MD.