Swollen Kidneys: Identify the Cause and Treat Quickly to Reduce the Risk of Long-Term Kidney Damage

Swollen kidneys are a condition that results from other abnormalities affecting the kidneys. If the underlying cause is not properly treated, it may reduce kidney function and lead to kidney disease in the future. Diagnosing the abnormality causing the swollen kidneys and providing targeted treatment helps the kidneys recover and function normally, as well as reduces the risk of long-term kidney damage.

Key Takeaways

• Swollen kidneys are a condition in which fluid accumulates in the kidneys due to obstruction of the urinary tract.

• Swollen kidneys are not a primary disease but a complication from other conditions such as urinary stones, tumors in the urinary tract, cancer, enlarged prostate, or pelvic organ prolapse.

• Treatment of swollen kidneys depends on the primary cause of fluid accumulation in the kidneys, ranging from medication, fluid drainage tubes, to surgery to remove the obstruction in the urinary tract.

• Swollen kidneys can result from multiple causes that are difficult to prevent, but the risk of kidney damage can be reduced by annual health check-ups, monitoring symptoms regularly, and seeing a doctor immediately when abnormalities are detected for prompt treatment.

Understanding ‘Swollen Kidneys’: Warning Signs That Require Immediate Attention

Swollen kidneys are a condition in which fluid accumulates in the kidneys due to obstruction of the urinary tract, causing urine that should flow from the kidneys to the bladder to be unable to flow properly. This leads to enlarged, swollen kidneys, which affect kidney function and reduce efficiency.

Swollen kidneys can occur in one or both kidneys, depending on the cause of urinary tract obstruction, and can occur in all sexes, ages, or even in fetuses. If not properly treated, swollen kidneys may cause permanent kidney damage, leading to chronic kidney disease and eventual kidney failure.

Symptoms That Are Warning Signs of Swollen Kidneys

Symptoms of swollen kidneys may vary depending on the underlying cause. Symptoms that may be observed in patients with swollen kidneys include:

• Difficulty urinating

• Blood in urine

• Urinary tract infection

• Flank pain or lower back pain

• Nausea and vomiting

• Fever

• Abnormally high kidney values in blood tests

However, patients with swollen kidneys may show no obvious symptoms or have vague symptoms. Often, by the time a diagnosis is made, kidney damage may have already occurred and cannot be fully restored. Therefore, monitoring symptoms and undergoing regular health checks allows doctors to detect abnormalities quickly and provide treatment to restore normal kidney function.

Causes of Swollen Kidneys

The urinary system consists of the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. The process begins in the kidneys, filtering waste from the blood before sending it to the bladder through the ureters and finally excreted from the body via the urethra.

Urinary tract obstruction is the reason why swollen kidneys occur, because the blockage prevents urine from being expelled from the body. As urine accumulates, it is pushed back to the kidneys, causing fluid accumulation and resulting in swollen kidneys. The causes include:

• Urinary stones: Whether in the kidneys, ureters, bladder, or urethra, stones can block the urinary tract and prevent normal urine flow.

• Enlarged prostate: Causes compression of the urethra, resulting in blockage and difficulty urinating.

• Pelvic organ prolapse: Conditions such as bladder or uterine prolapse can compress the ureters or urethra, causing obstruction.

• Cancer: Tumors near the urinary tract can compress it, making urine flow difficult.

• Tumors: Tumors in the ureters, bladder, or urethra can obstruct and block urine flow.

• Urinary tract stricture: Caused by inflammation, infection, or injury, resulting in a narrowed urinary tract and difficulty urinating.

• Congenital abnormalities: Such as ureteral or urethral strictures, malpositioned ureters, or vesicoureteral reflux, causing abnormal urinary tract function.

• Pregnancy: Uterine enlargement may compress the urinary tract, causing narrowing.

Diagnosis of Swollen Kidneys

Prompt diagnosis of swollen kidneys helps reduce the risk of long-term kidney damage. Diagnosis and identification of the cause can be done as follows:

• Medical history and physical examination: The doctor will ask about abnormal symptoms and test by pressing on the kidneys and bladder to check for pain. If enlarged prostate is suspected, the doctor may perform a digital rectal examination.

• Urinalysis: To analyze urine composition and detect abnormalities.

• Blood tests: To evaluate kidney function.

• Computed tomography (CT Scan): To assess kidney condition and detect obstruction locations.

• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): To assess kidney condition and detect obstruction locations.

Treatment Approaches for Swollen Kidneys

The primary goal of treatment is to allow the accumulated fluid in the kidneys to drain and be excreted from the body. Treatment depends on the main cause of the complication:

• Urinary stones: Stones causing swollen kidneys are often too large to pass naturally, so endoscopic surgery is usually performed to remove the obstruction.

• Tumors in the urinary tract: Surgery may be used to remove tumors obstructing the urinary tract.

• Cancer: If cancer compresses the urinary tract, surgery can relieve the compression, often combined with chemotherapy or radiation therapy to control cancer cells.

• Enlarged prostate: Treated with prostate surgery to relieve urethral compression.

• Urinary tract obstruction or stricture: Treated by surgically opening the urinary tract to correct the obstruction or stricture.

To reduce the risk of kidney damage from swollen kidneys, catheterization of the bladder, ureteral drainage, or direct kidney drainage may be required before addressing the underlying cause.

Self-Care for Patients with Swollen Kidneys

Swollen kidneys may not be concerning if diagnosed and treated correctly and promptly, as it can reduce the risk of permanent kidney damage and chronic disease.

Patients diagnosed with swollen kidneys can care for themselves by monitoring symptoms and attending medical appointments to ensure continuous and effective treatment.

Swollen Kidneys: Do Not Delay Treatment; Risk of Long-Term Kidney Damage

Swollen kidneys are not a primary disease but a condition caused by other abnormalities affecting the kidneys. If left untreated, it can lead to serious complications such as chronic kidney disease and kidney failure. Treatment must target the underlying cause to reduce swelling and restore normal kidney function.

The Kidney Institute at Praram 9 Hospital provides prompt and accurate diagnosis and treatment by kidney specialists with modern medical equipment, ensuring patients receive high-quality care and can return to a healthy life sooner.

For more information

Facebook : Praram 9 Hospital International & Expats

Line : @Praram9Hospital

Tel. 1270

Frequently Asked Questions About Swollen Kidneys

1. What complications can arise from swollen kidneys?

Complications include pyelonephritis, bloodstream infections, kidney deterioration, or kidney failure.

2. Can swollen kidneys be prevented?

Prevention is difficult because swollen kidneys can result from multiple causes. However, the severity and risk of complications can be reduced by monitoring one’s health and seeking prompt medical evaluation if abnormal symptoms appear.

References

Wint, C. (2023, April 12). Hydronephrosis. healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/unilateral-hydronephrosis

Hydronephrosis. (2023, August 25). Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15417-hydronephrosis

Hydronephrosis. (2023, August 8). National Kidney Foundation. https://www.kidney.org/kidney-topics/hydronephrosis-0