Swollen kidney from blocked urine (hydronephrosis)

Overview

In adults, kidney stones and an enlarged prostate are common causes.

Many babies with mild swelling found before birth get better without treatment.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Side pain
• Side (flank) pain

Less common

• Fever
• Less urine
• Nausea

When to get medical care

Causes

Blockage.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Diagnosis

A clinician asks about your symptoms and may order tests.

The exam

A physical exam.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

• Ultrasound:

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause and how severe it is.

Self-care

• Drink fluids as advised
• Take antibiotics if prescribed

Prevention

To lower your risk or prevent problems:

• Treat kidney stones

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to a nephrologist (kidney doctor).

Living with it

Support groups and helplines

• National Kidney Foundation: Help line, peer mentors, and education about kidney health.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• Babies: Follow-up ultrasounds track it.
• Pregnant women: Mild swelling is common.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• This condition needs closer checkups during pregnancy. Plan ahead with your doctor.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Relieving the blockage protects the kidney.

Clearing the blockage helps the kidney.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

• A list of your medicines and supplements
• Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse

Questions to ask

• What's causing this?
• What treatment do you recommend?
• What's causing the blockage?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Swollen kidney from blocked urine (hydronephrosis)