Hydronephrosis is a condition characterized by the swelling of one or both kidneys due to a blockage of the urinary tract. This blockage prevents the normal flow of urine from the kidneys to the bladder, finally resulting in an accumulation of fluid, which can damage one or both kidneys.
Causes of Hydronephrosis:
Hydronephrosis may occur at any age and can have many different causes. Such causes could include:
Kidney stones: These very hard deposits of minerals and salts can build up in the kidneys and obstruct urine flow.
Congenital blockage: Some babies may have a structural abnormality in their urinary tract, which causes blockage.
Enlarged prostate: Men may have their urethra compressed by an enlarged prostate, thereby obstructing urine flow.
Tumors: Tumors found within the urinary tract or on surrounding tissues may compress or block the ureters, which are tubes that take urine from the kidneys to the bladder.
Infection in the urinary tract: Infection may generate some inflammation and swelling in the urinary system, blocking the flow.
Pregnancy: The enlarging uterus can give rise to hydronephrosis by pressing directly on the ureters but usually resolves after delivery.
Others: other aforementioned causes may include blood clots, ureters scarring, and fracturing of some medications.
Hydronephrosis Symptoms:
Some individuals with hydronephrosis may not exhibit external signs of the disease. If present, signs of hydronephrosis include the following:
Pain: pain in the flank (area between the ribs and hip) and/or on the back and/or abdomen. It can either be continuous or have episodes of recurrence.
Changes in urination: increased urgency to urinate, urination becoming frequent, painful urination or output of urine is reduced.
Nausea and vomiting: These are present as a result of damage by either pain or infections.
Blood in the urine, possibly due to kidney stones or other conditions like underlying pathology.
Fever: It indicates a urinary tract infection.
Diagnosis of Hydronephrosis:
Hydronephrosis can be diagnosed using imaging tests like:
Ultrasound: This test uses sound waves to make pictures of the kidneys and the urinary tract; it is completely non-invasive.
CT scan: This respects X-rays in creating internal images of the kidneys and the structures around them.
MRI: This imaging uses magnetic fields and radio waves to render images of the kidneys and urinary tract.
Urine tests: they check to see whether there are signs of infection or other abnormalities present in the urine.
Blood tests: Such tests check beneficial kidney functions and check for factors that could cause hydronephrosis.
Hydronephrosis Treatment:
Hydronephrosis treatment is based on the cause of the condition and its severity. The following treatment options may be considered:
Observation: This may be in mild cases whereby hydronephrosis resolves on its own without treatment.
Medications: Pain relievers and antibiotics may be prescribed for pain management and the treatment of infection.
Procedures: Procedures like cystoscopy or ureteroscopy can be performed to remove the blockages from the kidney or elsewhere.
Surgery: Sometimes, abnormalities such as obstruction in the urinary passage system or a tumor require surgical intervention.
Complications of Hydronephrosis:
If left untreated, hydronephrosis can result in several serious complications, including:
Kidney damage: Long-term blockage may cause irreversible damage to the kidneys and impairment of their normal function.
Kidney failure: This is the worst it could get, and hydronephrosis can actually result in kidney failure. Infections: Urinary infections are experienced from hydronephrosis, which may ascend to the kidneys and give rise to serious illness. When to See a Doctor
Symptoms of hydronephrosis, such as flank, back, or abdominal pain and changes in urination, among others, require medical evaluation by a physician. Early diagnosis is aimed at preventing the complications and losses of renal function.