Have you ever heard of swollen kidneys? In medical terms, this condition is called hydronephrosis. Simply put, it's a condition where the kidneys swell because urine can't drain out and instead becomes trapped inside.
Think of your kidneys as a sink. If the drain is blocked, water will overflow and pool in the sink. Similarly, if the urethra is blocked, urine will build up and press on the kidney tissue.
What Symptoms Do Adults Experience?
Although it sometimes shows no symptoms in the early stages, moderate to severe hydronephrosis usually causes complaints such as:
- Lower Back or Hip Pain: Usually felt on one side (depending on which kidney is swollen).
- Abdominal Pain: A feeling of discomfort that radiates to the lower abdomen.
- Urinary Disorders: Feeling the need to urinate constantly or having blood in the urine.
- Symptoms of Infection: If an infection has occurred, you may experience fever, chills, nausea and vomiting.
Why Do Kidneys Swell?
In adults, the causes can be slightly different from those in infants. Generally, it's caused by:
- Physical blockage: This can be due to kidney stones getting stuck in the ureter, a tumor, or in men, an enlarged prostate that compresses the urinary tract.
- Backflow (Reflux): Urine that should go down to the bladder instead "comes back up" to the kidneys because the duct valve is not functioning properly.
- Nerve Problems: The bladder cannot empty itself properly so that urine accumulates up to the kidneys.
The Dangers of Leaving It
Don't take swollen kidneys lightly. If left untreated, persistent pressure from urine can cause:
- Scarring: The kidneys are permanently damaged and cannot function optimally.
- Hypertension: Kidney damage often triggers high blood pressure.
- Kidney Failure: The most severe condition where the kidneys stop working completely and require dialysis.
How do EMC Tangerang Hospital Doctors Confirm This?
To diagnose hydronephrosis in adults, our doctors at EMC Hospital Tangerang usually perform the following tests:
- Kidney Ultrasound: The quickest and most convenient way to directly view swelling in the kidneys.
- Special X-ray (VCUG): The doctor will insert a special fluid into the bladder to see if there is urine flowing back up or if there is a blockage in the urinary tract.
- Kidney Scan (Nuclear Medicine): Uses a special substance injected into your blood to see how well your kidneys are working to filter fluids.
Handling Steps
The good news is that hydronephrosis is a treatable condition. The primary focus is on removing the blockage to allow urine to flow freely. Treatment can include medication, the insertion of a small tube (stent) to open the channel, or surgery, depending on the underlying cause.
Our hospital, RS EMC Tangerang, has received international accreditation (JCI), which guarantees that your kidney treatment procedures are carried out to the highest safety and quality standards in the world.
EMC Tangerang Hospital offers superior services for head and neck health, specifically kidney care . Our urology specialists are ready to assist with the latest medical technology and safe, low-risk procedures. We are here not only as a medical team but also as a companion on your journey of recovery, from initial examination to complete recovery.
This article was written by Dr. Mochamad Sri Herlambang, Sp.U. FICS (Urology Surgeon Specialist at EMC Tangerang Hospital).