Hydronephrosis is a condition where one or both kidneys become stretched and swollen as the result of a build-up of urine inside them. It can affect people of any age and is sometimes spotted in unborn babies during routine pregnancy ultrasound scans. This is known as antenatal hydronephrosis. Hydronephrosis does not generally cause any long-term problems if it's diagnosed and treated promptly. Babies with the condition may not require any treatment at all. The condition can increase your chances of getting urinary tract infections (UTIs). In severe cases that are left untreated, the kidneys may become scarred, which could lead to loss of kidney function (kidney failure). Antenatal hydronephrosis (ANH) is increasingly being found in unborn babies during routine ultrasound scans. It's estimated to show up on at least 1 in every 100 pregnancies. As a parent, it can be worrying to learn your baby has a problem with their kidneys. But most cases of hydronephrosis in babies are not serious and should not affect the outcome of your pregnancy. Sometimes, babies born with ANH may need to be treated with antibiotics to prevent kidney infections, but most babies born with ANH will have no lasting problems. Find out more about diagnosing antenatal hydronephrosis and treating antenatal hydronephrosis. Antenatal hydronephrosis does not usually cause any symptoms. It is often found during pre-natal scans or in tests that are being done for other reasons. Symptoms for children and adults can include: You should see your doctor or contact 111 if you have any of these symptoms. They may refer you for an ultrasound scan to assess your kidneys. Antenatal hydronephrosis in babies does not usually cause symptoms after birth, but you should seek medical advice as soon as possible if your baby develops signs of a possible UTI, such as a high fever without any other obvious cause. Find out about diagnosing hydronephrosis. Antenatal hydronephrosis diagnosed in pregnancy is usually mild. It's thought to be caused by an increase in the amount of urine your baby produces in the later stages of pregnancy. In more severe cases, it may be caused by a blockage in the flow of urine from the kidneys to the bladder, backflow of urine from the bladder to the kidneys, or a blockage in the flow of urine out of the bladder. Adult hydronephrosisIn adults, hydronephrosis is commonly caused by: Find out about the causes of hydronephrosis. If you have hydronephrosis, your treatment will depend on what's causing the condition and how severe it is. Pregnant women and babies with the condition may not require any treatment. In adults, the first stage of treatment is often to drain the urine out of your kidneys by inserting a tube called a catheter into your bladder or kidneys. This will help relieve the pressure on your kidneys. Once the pressure has been relieved, the cause of the build-up of urine may need to be treated. The treatments used will depend on why the condition developed. For example:
Find out about how hydronephrosis is treated.
Page last reviewed: 11 December 2021
Your kidneys sit on either side of your backbone (spine), between your ribcage and your hips. How do you know if you have kidney pain?Kidney pain, or renal pain, is usually felt in your back (under the ribs, to the right or left of the spine). It can spread to other areas, like the sides, upper abdomen or groin. If you have a kidney stone, you usually feel the pain in your back, side, lower belly or groin. Back pain due to muscle problems is usually in your lower back. Pain due to kidney problems is usually deeper and higher in your back, under your ribs. Signs that it is a kidney problem can also include fever, vomiting, pain in your sides or painful urination. CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS — Use the kidney pain Symptom Checker and find out if you need to seek medical help. What causes kidney pain?Kidneys drain urine to the bladder via tubes called ureters. Your bladder is emptied via the urethra. Problems in any of these areas can cause pain, and may be caused by:
Pain around your kidneys can also be caused by other problems, such as: How is kidney pain diagnosed?To diagnose pain in your kidney area, your doctor will talk to you and examine you. You may also be asked to have:
If you have had kidney stones in the past, it may not always be necessary to have a computed tomography (CT) scan, which exposes you to radiation. Ask your doctor if a CT scan is necessary for you. For further information, visit the Choosing Wisely Australia website. How is kidney pain treated?Treatment depends on the cause, the severity of the pain and how sick you are feeling. You may find the pain eases with simple treatments like paracetamol. Talk to your doctor and your pharmacist. If you have pain that you are worried may be caused by a kidney problem, please see your doctor. If you are pregnant and you have kidney pain, see your doctor. You should also see your doctor if you have a pain in the back along with any of the following:
Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content. Last reviewed: January 2021 These trusted information partners have more on this topic.
Results for medical professionals Top results
Kidney stones cause severe pain that spreads from the loin to the groin, due to a stone that blocks the flow of urine from the kidneys to the bladder. Read more on WA Health website
Understanding what kidney stones are, how they are treated, and how you take measures to prevent them is all part of caring for your kidneys. Read more on Kidney Health Australia website
Kidney stones: find out the causes, symptoms (including renal colic), tests and treatments. Also, how to prevent kidney stones from recurring. Read more on myDr website
A kidney stone analysis is performed to determine the chemical composition of a stone when it is filtered out of the urine or removed from the urinary tract. Read more on Pathology Tests Explained website Read more on Better Health Channel website
“Without pathology I don’t know where we’d be” Jan 28, 2016 0 Comment Post By:Annette Stenhouse In 2011, at the age of 70, Hamish Campbell was treated for kidney stones Read more on Know Pathology Know Healthcare website
Why and when to get tested for uric acid Read more on Pathology Tests Explained website Read more on Better Health Channel website
Kidney and urinary tract diseases are a common problem in the Australian community. Read more on Queensland Health website
The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs that sit on either side of your spine, just below your rib cage. They are about the size of an adult fist. Their main role is to filter waste products from your body. Read more on myDr website
Healthdirect Australia is not responsible for the content and advertising on the external website you are now entering.
|