Hydronephrosis: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment Options

Have you experienced mild pain on one side or difficulty in urinating? If yes, you might be thinking of a kidney stone. The guess may be right, but you should also consider the assessment of hydronephrosis.

It happens when urine does not flush out properly from the kidneys. It may sound serious, but the good part is that it is easily manageable.

In this blog, let’s understand this condition, common causes, symptoms and treatment options available so you can take the right steps if needed.

Understanding Hydronephrosis

Another term for this medical condition is urinary tract dilation, which occurs when one or two kidneys fail to pass urine effectively. The consequence of this condition is the gradual building up of pressure in the kidneys, affecting their functioning.

The following shows how hydronephrosis progresses:

• There is an obstruction within the urinary tract, which could be because of kidney stones, narrowness in the ureters, or external pressure on the urinary tract, interrupting urine flow.
• In this case, the urine is unable to progress normally towards the bladder; hence, its flow becomes slow or stops entirely.
• The accumulation of urine causes it to remain in the kidney.
• With the ongoing buildup of urine, pressure is created, resulting in a swollen kidney.
• If the pressure is not alleviated in time, it interferes with the kidney's function in filtering out waste products.

The important thing is that this swelling is avoided by removing the obstruction before it happens.

Causes of a Hydronephrosis

As we discussed above, this condition usually occurs where there is a restriction in the flow. Let’s understand the common causes:

Kidney Stones Are Blocking the Flow

The most common reasons behind the hydronephrosis are kidney stones. It happens when mineral deposits get stuck in your ureter. Because of this, urine is not able to pass through it and starts building up in the kidney. Even if you have a small stone, it causes swelling and pain.

Enlarged Prostate in Men

Generally, this condition is mostly seen in men with an enlarged prostate. It is also known as BPH, where the prostate gland increases in size and starts pressing against the urethra. This makes the difficulty for urine to flow and can cause the urinary tract to dilate.

Narrowing of the Ureter

If you have undergone past infections, surgeries or injuries, then it might cause narrow your uterers. It restricts the flow of urine from the kidney, leading to pressure buildup and swelling in the kidney.

Pressure during pregnancy

The enlargement of the uterus during pregnancy can put pressure on the ureters. In some cases, this can affect the passage of urine, particularly during late pregnancy. This problem is usually not permanent and ends upon childbirth, but in some cases, there will be significant swelling of the kidneys.

Blood Clots are Causing Obstruction

In some cases, blood clots can form in the kidney or ureter. These clots act like a physical blockage, stopping urine from flowing normally. This can happen due to injury, infection, or certain medical conditions, and may quickly lead to hydronephrosis if not addressed.

Symptoms of Hydronephrosis

To get effective treatment, it is important to understand the symptoms. Here are the key symptoms you should watch for:

• Side or lower back pain: There is likely to be pain in either side of your lower back or abdomen. The pain does not necessarily remain constant all the time. In most cases, it occurs in waves before settling. The degree will depend on the cause of the obstruction and its severity.
• Trouble passing urine: In case there is a reduction in the force of urine flow, and you are unable to pass out the entire contents of your bladder, there is a problem. There may be slight discomfort during urination, although it may seem insignificant at times.
• Frequent urge to urinate: The urge to pass out urine will happen frequently despite passing small amounts. You will experience irritation due to frequent urination, which occurs when there is an abnormal urine flow.
• Nausea and vomiting: In specific circumstances, you may feel discomfort in your tummy. This may manifest as nausea and vomiting in rare instances. It tends to occur in acute conditions and when there is increased intrarenal pressure.

Recognising these symptoms early can help you seek timely treatment and prevent further complications.

Hydronephrosis Treatment Options

The treatment of the condition depends on its cause and severity level. However, the primary objective of treatment will always remain to alleviate any pressure on the kidneys, allowing free urination.

Removing the Blockage

As previously mentioned, in most instances, the first step to take involves removing whatever is obstructing the process of urination. This includes the removal of any kidney stones and tumours pushing against the urinary tract, which will allow for normal urination and reduction of swelling of the organ in question.

Placing a Stent or Inserting a Drainage Tube

When rapid relief is required, your surgeon may place a thin tube in the ureter to maintain free passage of urine is often necessary. In some cases, they place drainage to eliminate urine buildup. Stenting and drainage tubes are temporary treatments that provide fast relief and stabilise the patient.

Antibiotics and Pain Relievers

If the hydronephrosis is caused by an infection, taking the necessary medications to resolve it will become crucial. Also, pain is a symptom to be managed if present, mostly in cases involving the presence of kidney stones in the organ.

Final Thoughts

Why is hydronephrosis considered important? It might begin slowly, but it can have significant effects on your kidneys. The key is recognising the warning signs early and taking action.

Don’t hesitate when there are signs of pain or other symptoms. Any change in your urine or backache should be noted. Being proactive ensures that the situation stays manageable and preserves kidney function.

Here at Niva Bupa Health Insurance Plans, we work hard to prepare you for any health issues with the necessary information and support.

Your health decisions matter. Paying attention today can prevent bigger problems tomorrow.

FAQ

1. Can urinary tract dilation go away on its own?

Yes, in some mild cases, especially during pregnancy, urinary tract dilation can resolve on its own once the pressure is relieved. However, it still needs monitoring to ensure it does not worsen or affect kidney function over time.

2. Is urinary tract dilation always painful?

No, not always. Some people may not feel any pain, especially in the early stages. It is often detected during scans done for other reasons. Pain usually appears when there is a sudden or severe blockage.

3. Can urinary tract dilation affect both kidneys at the same time?

Yes, it can affect one or both kidneys. When both are involved, it may need more attention because it can impact overall kidney function more significantly if left untreated.

4. How is urinary tract dilation diagnosed?

Doctors usually diagnose it through imaging tests like an ultrasound, a CT scan, or an MRI. These tests help in identifying swelling in the kidneys and also the exact cause behind the blockage.

5. Is urinary tract dilation common in children?

Yes, it can occur in children, often due to congenital issues present at birth. In many cases, it is detected early and managed effectively with regular monitoring or minor procedures if needed.

6. Can dehydration cause urinary tract dilation?

Dehydration alone does not directly cause urinary tract dilation, but it can increase the risk of kidney stones, which may lead to blockage and eventually cause this condition.

7. Is urinary tract dilation a sign of kidney failure?

Not necessarily. It is a condition caused by blockage. However, if left untreated for a long time, it can lead to complications that may affect kidney function.

8. Can lifestyle changes help manage urinary tract dilation?

Lifestyle changes alone may not cure it, but staying hydrated, maintaining hygiene, and following medical advice can support overall urinary health and prevent complications.