Hydronephrosis is a serious condition in which there is swelling or accumulation of urine in the kidney. This happens when there is an obstruction in the flow of urine from the kidney. With the right timely treatment, relief from this condition can be obtained. In this article, we will discuss in detail the symptoms of hydronephrosis, its causes, methods of diagnosis and treatment options.
What is Hydronephrosis?
Hydronephrosis is a condition in which there is accumulation of urine in the kidney, causing swelling. This problem arises due to obstruction in the ureter, which hinders the urine from reaching the bladder. If this problem is not treated on time, the kidney may get damaged and the risk of serious infection may increase.
Causes of Hydronephrosis
Hydronephrosis can occur due to many reasons, the main ones being:
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI):
In case of UTI, there is swelling in the ureter, which obstructs the flow of urine.
Kidney stones:
The formation of stones in the kidney causes obstruction of urine flow, due to which urine is not able to reach the bladder and gets accumulated in the kidney.
Ureteral obstruction:
In some cases, the size of the ureter may be small or blocked, which causes obstruction of urine flow.
Congenital malformations:
Sometimes children may have deformities in the urinary system from birth, which causes hydronephrosis.
Other causes:
Pregnancy, prostate problems, and blood clots can also obstruct urine flow.
Symptoms of Hydronephrosis
Hydronephrosis has many symptoms, some of which can be common and some serious:
Severe abdominal pain:
This pain occurs in the part of the kidney and it can be very intense.
Difficulty urinating:
Urine flow is affected due to hydronephrosis, causing difficulty in urinating.
Vomiting and nausea:
Heartburn and vomiting may also be experienced due to hydronephrosis.
Frequent infections:
Patients with hydronephrosis may have frequent urinary infections.
Fever and chills:
Hydronephrosis can cause fever due to infection spreading throughout the body.
How is hydronephrosis diagnosed?
It is necessary to diagnose hydronephrosis correctly so that proper treatment can be done. For this, the doctor can do many types of tests and investigations, the main ones being the following:
Ultrasound:
This is a common test that can detect inflammation in the kidney or obstruction in urine flow.
CT scan:
CT scan gives accurate information about obstructions in the kidney and urinary system.
MRI:
MRI gives deep information about the causes of inflammation in the kidney and obstruction in urine flow.
Urine test:
This test is done to check for urinary infection.
Blood test:
This test provides information about kidney function and infection.
How is hydronephrosis treated?
The treatment of hydronephrosis depends on its causes and the severity of the condition. Some of its major treatment options are as follows:
Treatment by medicines:
In case of infection, the doctor can give antibiotics and other medicines, which are helpful in reducing the infection and curing the urinary system.
Pyeloplasty Surgery:
When the cause of hydronephrosis is obstruction in the ureter, pyeloplasty surgery is done. In this surgery, the ureter is reconstructed so that the flow of urine can be normal. This process is helpful in restoring the functionality of the kidney.
Stent Placement:
If there is obstruction in the flow of urine, the doctor can use a stent, which helps the urine to flow normally.
Dialysis:
If the kidney has suffered severe damage in the case of hydronephrosis, then dialysis is resorted to.
Benefits of Pyeloplasty Surgery
Pyeloplasty surgery is one of the effective treatments for hydronephrosis. It has many benefits, such as:
- Reconstruction of the ureter leads to normal flow of urine.
- Kidney function improves.
- Pain and other symptoms caused by hydronephrosis are relieved.
- The possibility of infection and other complications is reduced.
Post-treatment care
After the treatment of hydronephrosis, the patient needs regular follow-up and proper care. For this, the doctor may give some instructions:
Follow-up appointment:
After surgery, it is necessary to get regular check-ups from the doctor.
Healthy diet and lifestyle:
Nutritious diet and regular exercise help in keeping the kidney healthy.
Adequate water intake:
It is necessary to consume enough water to flush out toxins from the body.
Avoiding smoking and alcohol:
Smoking and alcohol can affect the functioning of the kidney, so one should stay away from them.
Measures to prevent hydronephrosis
The following measures can be taken to prevent hydronephrosis:
- Drink water regularly.
- Maintain hygiene to avoid urinary infection.
- Get regular kidney check-ups, especially if there is a history of kidney disease in the family.
- Staying away from smoking and alcohol.
Conclusion
Hydronephrosis is a serious condition in which timely diagnosis and proper treatment can save the kidney's functionality. With the right treatment, one can get relief from this problem and live a healthy life. By paying attention to the symptoms of hydronephrosis and taking the right treatment, the complications of this problem can be prevented.
