The condition of hydronephrosis occurs when the kidneys swell due to an accumulation of urine. Hydronephrosis occurs when the urinary tract is blocked or obstructions prevent the urine from flowing normally, which can cause pain, infection, kidney damage, or kidney failure if left untreated.
Hydronephrosis can have various causes, depending on the location and the type of the obstruction. Some of the possible causes are:
Kidney stones, which are hard deposits of minerals and salts that form in the kidneys and can move into the ureters, the tubes that connect the kidneys to the bladder.
Enlarged prostate, which is a noncancerous growth of the prostate gland that can press on the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body.
Tumors or cancers, which can grow in or near the kidneys, the ureters, the bladder, or the urethra and block the flow of urine.
Congenital defects, which are abnormalities that are present at birth and can affect the structure or the function of the urinary tract, such as a narrow or a kinked ureter, a duplicated ureter, or a ureterocele, which is a bulge in the ureter.
Pregnancy, which can put pressure on the ureters and the bladder and cause them to narrow or compress.
Scar tissue or inflammation, which can result from previous infections, surgeries, injuries, or radiation therapy and cause the ureters or the urethra to narrow or close.
The symptoms of hydronephrosis may vary depending on the severity and the duration of the condition. Some of the common symptoms are:
Pain in the back, side, or abdomen, which may be sudden or dull, constant or intermittent, mild or severe.
Nausea, vomiting, or fever, which may indicate an infection or a kidney stone.
Difficulty urinating, which may include a weak or interrupted stream, a feeling of incomplete emptying, or a need to urinate more often or urgently.
Blood in the urine, which may appear as pink, red, or brown in color.
Reduced urine output, which may indicate a severe blockage or kidney failure.
The diagnosis of hydronephrosis is based on the medical history, the physical examination, and the results of some tests. Some of the tests that may be used to diagnose or confirm hydronephrosis are:
Urinalysis, which is a test that checks the urine for blood, infection, or abnormal cells.
Blood tests, which measure the levels of creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN), which are waste products that the kidneys filter out of the blood. High levels of these substances may indicate reduced kidney function.
In imaging tests, sound waves, X-rays, or magnetic fields are used to create images of the kidneys and urinary tract. Various types of tests can be used to determine the size and shape of the kidneys, the obstruction, and the amount of fluid in the kidneys. Examples include ultrasound, X-ray, CT scan, and magnetic resonance imaging.
Cystometry, uroflowmetry, and pressure-flow studies are some examples of urodynamic tests, which measure the pressure and flow of urine in the bladder and urethra.
The treatment of hydronephrosis aims to relieve the obstruction, drain the urine, and prevent or treat any complications. The treatment depends on the cause, the severity, and the symptoms of the condition. Some of the possible treatments are:
Medications, which can help relieve pain, reduce inflammation, or treat infection. Some examples of these medications are analgesics, anti-inflammatories, or antibiotics.
Catheterization, which is a procedure that involves inserting a thin tube called a catheter into the bladder through the urethra or through a small incision in the abdomen. This can help drain the urine and relieve the pressure in the kidneys.
Stenting, which is a procedure that involves inserting a hollow plastic tube called a stent into the ureter or the urethra. This can help keep the passage open and allow the urine to flow normally.
Surgery, which is a procedure that involves removing or bypassing the obstruction or repairing the defect in the urinary tract. This can be done using different techniques, such as open surgery, laparoscopic surgery, or robotic surgery.
There is no specific way to prevent hydronephrosis, as it can have many different causes. However, some general measures that may help reduce the risk or the severity of hydronephrosis are:
Drinking plenty of fluids, which can help flush out the kidneys and prevent kidney stones.
Avoiding or limiting the intake of salt, calcium, oxalate, or protein, which can contribute to the formation of kidney stones.
Seeking medical attention for any symptoms of urinary tract infection, such as burning, pain, or frequency when urinating, or fever, chills, or back pain.
Getting regular check-ups and screenings, especially if there is a family history of kidney stones, enlarged prostate, or congenital defects. This can help detect and treat any problems that may affect the kidneys or the urinary tract.
Taking the prescribed medications and following the doctor's instructions, especially if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or kidney disease, which can cause hydronephrosis. By doing so, you can prevent complications or further damage to your kidneys, and manage or control the condition.
