Hydronephrosis:

Hydronephrosis: 

Hydronephrosis is a condition in which one or both kidneys become swollen due to incomplete emptying of the urinary tract. It can be sudden or chronic, partial or complete, one-sided or bilateral. It can occur anywhere along the urinary tract from the opening of the kidneys to the ureters (draining the kidneys to the bladder), the bladder, and the urethra (draining the bladder). Problems with any of these structures may cause impaired emptying of the urinary system and back up of fluid and pressure.

If only one of the kidneys is affected, the condition is called unilateral hydronephrosis. If both kidneys are affected, it is called bilateral hydronephrosis.

Hydronephrosis may result in decreased kidney function. If not treated right away, permanent damage to the kidney or kidneys may occur, resulting in kidney failure.

Causes 

Hydronephrosis is usually caused by another underlying illness or risk factor. Causes of hydronephrosis include, but are not limited to, the following illnesses or risk factors:

• Kidney stone
• Congenital blockage (a defect that is present at birth)
• Blood clot
• Scarring of tissue (from injury or previous surgery)
• Tumor or cancer (examples include bladder, cervical, colon, or prostate)
• Enlarged prostate (noncancerous)
• Pregnancy
• Urinary tract infection (or other diseases that cause inflammation of the urinary tract)

Symptoms

Normally, urine flows through the urinary tract with minimal pressure. Pressure can build up if there’s an obstruction in the urinary tract. After urine builds up for an extended period, your kidney can enlarge.

Your kidney may become so engorged with urine that it starts to press on nearby organs. If it’s left untreated for too long, this pressure can cause your kidneys to lose function permanently.

Mild symptoms of hydronephrosis include urinating more frequently and an increased urge to urinate. Other potentially severe symptoms you may experience are:

• pain in the abdomen or flank
• nausea
• vomiting
• pain when urinating
• incomplete voiding, or bladder emptying
• a fever

Interrupting the flow of urine increases your chances of getting a urinary tract infection (UTI). This is why UTIs are one of the most common complications of hydronephrosis. Some signs of a UTI include:

• cloudy urine
• painful urination
• burning with urination
• a weak urine stream
• back pain
• bladder pain
• a fever
• chills

If you see signs of hydronephrosis, schedule an appointment with your doctor to talk about your symptoms. Untreated UTIs may lead to more serious conditions such as pyelonephritis, an infection of the kidney, and sepsis, an infection in the bloodstream or blood poisoning.

Diagnosis

A urine test can reveal whether your child has a UTI. Other tests may be necessary, including:

• Kidney and bladder ultrasound: 
• Specialized X-ray of the urinary tract system 
• Nuclear scan