Will hydronephrosis cause facial swelling?

Written by Zhou Qi

Nephrology

Updated on September 21, 2024

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In cases of hydronephrosis, it is not certain whether facial swelling will occur.

Since the human body has two kidneys, the kidneys have strong compensatory capabilities. Even if one kidney is completely damaged, if the other kidney remains healthy, the remaining kidney can still perform the function of two kidneys. It can ensure sufficient excretion of water and metabolic waste. When water is sufficiently excreted, swelling should not occur.

However, if both kidneys are affected by hydronephrosis, or if the opposite kidney also has problems, then the ability of the kidneys to excrete water may decrease. With both kidneys having issues, it can lead to poor and insufficient water excretion, consequently causing swelling, such as bilateral eyelids, facial areas, and both ankles.

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Written by Zhou Qi

Nephrology

49sec

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What department to see for hydronephrosis?

Patients with hydronephrosis should visit the urology department of a formal hospital, because the conditions causing hydronephrosis are often surgical in nature. The most common cause is urological stones, which block the ureter or the bladder opening, causing urine to accumulate within the urinary system and leading to hydronephrosis. Additionally, patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia may also experience this condition. Tumors in the urinary system may compress the ureter and cause hydronephrosis. Some patients have congenital deformities of the ureter, where changes in the anatomical structure can lead to hydronephrosis. In summary, these conditions often require surgical treatment, thus necessitating consultation at a formal hospital's urology department.

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Written by Zhou Qi

Nephrology

53sec

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symptoms of hydronephrosis infection

In cases of hydronephrosis, urinary tract infections are common, and these infections primarily manifest as pyelonephritis. The presence of fluid in the kidneys indicates that urine cannot be excreted smoothly, leading to an obstruction in the urinary tract. Therefore, bacteria can easily multiply in this area because normal urine, if it can be excreted smoothly, also serves to flush the urinary system, preventing the growth of bacteria. Thus, when fluid accumulates, pyelonephritis can easily occur, with the main symptoms being back pain and fever. If cystitis is also present, the patient will experience symptoms such as frequent urination, urgent urination, and painful urination. Hydronephrosis may be caused by issues such as urinary system stones or tumors, which can also lead to clinical symptoms like back pain and hematuria.

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Written by Chen Feng

Urology

54sec

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What foods can be eaten with hydronephrosis?

Patients with hydronephrosis should pay attention to a light diet, eat more fresh vegetables and fruits, avoid spicy and stimulating foods, and consume less high-salt foods, while also abstaining from alcohol. Besides controlling their diet, patients with hydronephrosis should also actively search for the underlying causes of the condition. Common causes of hydronephrosis in clinical practice include urinary tract stones or prostate hyperplasia, mainly due to obstructions in the ureter or urethra, preventing the urine produced by the kidneys from being excreted, which then leads to hydronephrosis. Once the cause of the urinary obstruction is identified, it is necessary to actively treat the underlying cause to restore the patency of the urinary tract. After the condition improves, it is also important to drink more water and urinate frequently to maintain health.

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Written by Zhou Qi

Nephrology

1min

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What is the best treatment for hydronephrosis?

The so-called hydronephrosis often occurs due to some factor blocking the urinary system, causing urine to not be excreted normally. The most common cause is urinary system stones, but it can also be due to issues like tumors or benign prostatic hyperplasia. The treatment for stones depends on the size of the stone. Stones smaller than 5 millimeters in diameter can often pass naturally. If the stone is 7 to 15 millimeters in diameter, extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy is typically used. If stones in the lower mid-ureter do not respond well to medication, retrograde removal under cystoscopy can also be performed. For some patients who have had a long-standing obstruction, renal function may already be impaired. If the obstruction cannot be relieved, surgeries such as creating a urinary diversion can be performed. This includes procedures like bladder fistulation, pyelostomy, or percutaneous ureterostomy, among others.

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Written by Li Liu Sheng

Nephrology

1min 12sec

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How is hydronephrosis detected?

The kidneys have a very strong compensatory ability. In the early stages of hydronephrosis, the amount of fluid may not be large, or the duration may not be long, and usually, the patient may have no symptoms. Hydronephrosis is often discovered during health examinations or through ultrasound or CT scans performed during hospital stays. Of course, if the hydronephrosis persists for too long and the volume is very large, the patient can gradually feel discomfort or a distended sensation in the lower back or upper abdomen. Moreover, if the hydronephrosis is caused by kidney stones, the patient often experiences severe back pain, and there might even be visible blood in the urine. Hydronephrosis can also lead to symptoms of urinary tract infections such as frequent urination, urgent urination, and painful urination. Prolonged hydronephrosis can lead to a decline in kidney function, resulting in symptoms like fatigue, loss of appetite, and poor overall health. Therefore, it is crucial for patients to undergo regular ultrasound examinations of the kidneys to detect hydronephrosis early.