Hydronephrosis: Definition, Causes, and Symptoms

Definition and Causes

• Hydronephrosis is a condition where the kidneys swell due to the accumulation of urine, causing a blockage in the urinary tract.
• Causes:
  • Kidney stones
  • Tumors
  • Blood clots
  • Injuries
  • Birth defects
  • Prostate enlargement (in men)

Symptoms

• Severe pain on one or both sides of the lower back
• Nausea and vomiting
• Frequent urination
• Painful urination
• Increased frequency of urination at night
• Fever (if accompanied by infection)

Diagnosis

• Imaging tests:
  • Ultrasound
  • CT scans
  • MRI
• Urinalysis to check for blood, protein, or bacteria in the urine
• Physical examination to check for tenderness in the kidneys

Treatment

• Relieving the blockage:
  • Surgery to remove kidney stones or tumors
  • Stenting to open up the blocked ureter
• Managing symptoms:
  • Pain relief medication
  • Antibiotics for infections
• In severe cases, temporary or permanent urinary diversion may be necessary

Complications

• Chronic kidney disease
• Kidney failure
• Sepsis (if infection spreads to the bloodstream)
• Permanent kidney damage

Prevention

• Drinking plenty of water to prevent kidney stone formation
• Maintaining a healthy diet and weight
• Avoiding certain medications that can harm the kidneys
• Managing underlying medical conditions, such as diabetes and high blood pressure

Definition and Causes of Hydronephrosis

• Hydronephrosis occurs when kidneys swell due to urine accumulation, causing a urinary tract blockage.
• Causes include kidney stones, tumors, blood clots, injuries, birth defects, and prostate enlargement in men.

Symptoms of Hydronephrosis

• Severe pain on one or both sides of the lower back.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Frequent urination, painful urination, and increased nighttime urination.
• Fever may occur if accompanied by infection.

Diagnosis of Hydronephrosis

• Imaging tests: ultrasound, CT scans, and MRI.
• Urinalysis to check for blood, protein, or bacteria in the urine.
• Physical examination to check for kidney tenderness.

Treatment of Hydronephrosis

• Relieving blockages through surgery to remove kidney stones or tumors, or stenting to open up blocked ureters.
• Managing symptoms with pain relief medication and antibiotics for infections.
• In severe cases, temporary or permanent urinary diversion may be necessary.

Complications of Hydronephrosis

• Chronic kidney disease.
• Kidney failure.
• Sepsis if infection spreads to the bloodstream.
• Permanent kidney damage.

Prevention of Hydronephrosis

• Drinking plenty of water to prevent kidney stone formation.
• Maintaining a healthy diet and weight.
• Avoiding certain medications that can harm the kidneys.
• Managing underlying medical conditions, such as diabetes and high blood pressure.