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More about Hydronephrosis:
Definition Causes and symptoms Diagnosis Treatment Alternative treatment Prognosis Prevention Resources |
Causes are numerous. Various congenital deformities of the ureter may sooner or later produce back pressure. Kidney stones are a common cause. They form in the renal pelvis and become lodged in the kidney, usually at the ureterovesical junction. In older men, the continued growth of the prostate gland leads commonly to restricted urine flow out of the bladder. Prostate cancer, and cancer anywhere else along the urine pathways, can obstruct flow. Pregnancy normally causes ureteral obstruction from the pressure of the enlarged uterus (womb) on the ureters.
Symptoms relate to the passage of urine. Sometimes, urine may be difficult to pass, irregular, or uncontrolled. Pain from distension of the structures is present. Blood in the urine may be visible, but it is usually microscopic.
In all cases where bodily fluids cannot flow freely, infection is inevitable. Symptoms of urinary infection may include:
- Painful, burning urine.
- Cloudy urine
- Pain in the back, flank, or groin
- Fever, sweats, chills, and generalized discomfort
Patients often mistake a serious urinary infection for the flu.
— J. Ricker Polsdorfer, MD
