Hydronephrosis is a swelling condition that develops in one or both kidneys. It blocks the urine flow and leads to several health condition including, stomach pain, swelling and kidney damage in individuals. This condition also occur due to obstruction or blockage in the ureter tubes and become the reason of a lot of discomfort and health concerns. It is a common health problem, which might affect several people at any age.

The treatment of this problem is crucial for individuals. It is possible in different approaches depending on its underlying causes. An antibiotics are recommended by the doctors for getting relief from infection problems, whereas a pain relief medication is applicable for managing pain or discomfort in patients The surgical intervention can also be required in more severe cases. This procedure is recommended or suggested by the specialized doctors for the removal of a blockage in the ureter.

Function of Urinary Tract

The key objective of this body’s drainage system is to eliminate the waste products and excess fluid from the body. It consists of the following organs:

Kidneys: It filters toxins and waste products from the blood.
Ureter: They are ducts, which carry urine passing from the kidney to the bladder.
Bladder: The urine is stored in this organ.
Urethra: It allows the urine to leave the body.

If any of these organs can cause blockage or obstruction, then it leads to hydronephrosis. An individual must consult with a relevant person for its treatment.

Causes

This condition can cause several problems in individuals. These include the following:

Tumors: They grow near the urinary tract, which can cause blockage in the ureter.
Vesicoureteral reflux: It occurs when the urine flows backward from the bladder to the kidney.
Kidney stones: They are hard lumps, which get stuck in the kidneys or other urinary system.
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: A pressure occurs in the urethra due to an enlargement of prostate glands.
Urinary retention: It occurs when the bladder doesn’t get emptied fully or partially. This problem mainly happens due to blockage or nerve issues.
Congenital Defects: They are structural or functional abnormalities, which might occur in the kidney, ureters etc. It mostly happens before or during birth.
Ureterocele: It can cause swelling at the end of an ureter. This problem mainly affects females more than males.

Symptoms

The symptoms that occur due to this swelling problem are the following:

Urinary Tract Infection
Nausea and Vomiting
Blood in urine
Fever
Sudden or chronic pain in lower back or side
Loss of weight or appetite
Fatigue or tiredness
Painful Urination

Diagnosis

It is essential to diagnose this health problem quickly because it can cause long-term kidney damage in individuals. In this case, a healthcare provider conducts some tests. These include the following:

1. Physical Examination:

Firstly, a healthcare provider asks an individual about his or her symptoms and then the area near the kidneys and bladder will be checked for tenderness or swelling. They can also have medical history in the healthcare department.

A rectal exam might be required for people with penis problems. This determines their prostate glands whether they are enlarged or not.

The pelvic exam is recommended for people suffering from vaginal problems to evaluate the problems associated with the uterus or ovaries.

2. Blood test

It checks infection as well as function of a kidney. This procedure includes complete blood count, creatinine etc.

3. Ultrasound

It is a primary imaging test which involves the sound waves to create images of a kidney, ureter and bladder. This diagnostic procedure is safe and accurate for patients. It is recommended for pregnancy and can diagnose symptoms such as blood in the urine, abdominal pain etc.

4. CT scan

A healthcare professional uses this procedure for the identification of kidney swelling, obstruction and size of kidney stones. This imaging test is highly specific and sensitive for the detection of hydronephrosis in individuals.

5. MRI scan

A detailed anatomic information of a kidney will be provided for the evaluation of hydronephrosis. It combines information from ultrasonography, voiding cystourethrography etc.

6. Urine test:

A healthcare provider collects a sample of urine for the examination of blood or infection. He or she might also use a thin and flexible tube called a catheter to drain urine.

Treatments

The treatment of this health condition depends on the underlying cause and its symptoms. Its main objective is to lessen kidney swelling and prevent kidney damage in patients.

Below are the following treatments of hydronephrosis:

a) Medications

A medicine can be prescribed to patients for the management of pain or discomfort. Some of them require antibiotics when they suffer from urinary tract infection problems. These medicines are given to babies and they don’t require other treatments since they suffer from mild hydronephrosis, which can be relieved on their own.

b) Surgery

The blockage or backward flow of urine needs to be corrected in individuals. In this case, surgery is most essential for them. This treatment approach is helpful for minimizing pain or vomiting, which occurs from hydronephrosis. It is recommended for the treatment of kidney stones, cancer, enlarged prostate gland and blocked ureter.

c) Ureteroscopy

A thin and flexible tube known as catheter is placed in the urethra to break and remove the kidney stones. This method is recommended for stones in the bladder or a lower part of an ureter. It can be performed with other surgical techniques such as electro-hydraulic lithotripsy, antegrade percutaneous nephrolithotomy etc.