What is hydronephrosis and its causes

Hydronephrosis - a kidney disease in which there is a persistent expansion of the renal pelvis system (cavity in the kidney, which gets urine before its runoff into the ureter), a decrease in volume (atrophy) own kidney tissue (parenchyma) and the growing deterioration of the functions of the kidney due disorders of blood circulation and the flow of urine.

Hydronephrosis develops when there is an obstacle in the way of the flow of urine, which can occur at any site, but most often they are found in the upper part of the ureter, which is adjacent to the pelvis.

Hydronephrosis often develops in the presence of anomalies in the form of an extension of the vessel, which is suitable to the lower pole of the kidney and ureter squeezes directly from its point of origin from the kidney.

Traumatic hydronephrosis can develop because of the compression of the ureter by a blood clot (hematoma) as a result of damage with the subsequent development of adhesions.

Hydronephrosis can be primary and secondary. Primary hydronephrosis develops against the background of congenital anomalies of the renal pelvis, ureter or renal parenchyma. Secondary hydronephrosis is a complication of a disease, such as kidney stones Kidney stones - why women tolerate it harder? Tumors, compressing the urinary tract.

Hydronephrosis can also open (for example, open trauma) or closed, infected or aseptic (without infection).

The disease develops due to the fact that urine is retained in the pelvis, compressing the renal parenchyma and disrupting blood flow in it. Gradually, more and more expanded pelvis and kidney tissue is reduced, that eventually cause complete destruction of the parenchyma (the kidney is a bag with the liquid), and renal dysfunction.

How does hydronephrosis

Hydronephrosis occurs gradually over his divided into three stages: initial, early and final. The disease often develops unnoticed and is manifested in the accession of infection, injury or during a random inspection. Symptoms typical for hydronephrosis, no. The most frequent aching pain in the lumbar region of varying severity.

At the beginning of the formation of hydronephrosis patients may disturb the attacks of renal colic Renal colic: a signal that the danger in the bud Accompanied by nausea, vomiting, bloating, decreased urine output before the attacks of pain and increased after the attack.

In advanced stages of glomerulonephritis, acute pain usually does not happen. An increase in temperature occurs only when infected and joining pyelonephritis Pyelonephritis - kidney disease . Often, hydronephrosis can be felt in the upper quadrant tumor formation. The appearance of blood in the urine Blood in the urine - a reason for serious concern   (hematuria) can be a long time the only sign of hydronephrosis.

Hydronephrosis may be complicated by the addition of an infection, the formation of secondary stones (this contributes to stagnation of urine) and rupture of the bag hydronephrotic injury.

Diagnosis of hydronephrosis

Hydronephrosis kidney probed only in the later stages. An important role in the detection of hydronephrosis play radiographic methods. Conducted plain radiography (it is possible to see an increase in kidney and suspect hydronephrosis), excretory urography (contrast material injected into a vein, and after 10 minutes you take a picture where you can see the contours of the extended cups and pelvis). To clarify the diagnosis is sometimes carried out and other X-ray and radioisotope studies of kidneys. Laboratory data also confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment of hydronephrosis

Treatment of hydronephrosis mainly operational. Performed plastic surgery on the ureters, eliminating the causes of hydronephrosis and restore the normal flow of urine that can completely restore kidney function in the early stages of hydronephrosis.

The indication for surgery is the preservation of the kidney tissue and the ability to eliminate the immediate causes of disease. By the removal of the kidney (nephrectomy) resort with such a unilateral hydronephrosis when atrophy (decrease in volume) expressed in renal parenchyma sharp degree and deeply compromised kidney function. Leave a kidney is dangerous because of the possibility of complications. Remove the kidney can not be, if the second kidney also changed.

The main thing with hydronephrosis - is to identify it at an early stage and to establish the reasons why he had been summoned.

Galina Romanenko

Mechanisms of formation of diabetes

Diabetes - a disease which is based on an insulin deficiency, which causes disturbance of carbohydrate metabolism. In the development of this disease is very important genetic predisposition. Matter acute infectious diseases, physical and mental trauma, overeating, drinking large amounts of carbohydrate, obesity.

When diabetes affects the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin (type I diabetes) or there is a metabolic disorder that leads to changes in organs and tissues, causing them to lose their sensitivity to insulin The principles of action of insulin - the science of saving lives   and cease to absorb glucose Glucose: The energy source   blood (type II diabetes).

In the long diabetes as a result of metabolic affects the blood vessels. Small blood vessels are frequently affected in the kidney and retina of the eye that causes severe diseases of these organs. The kidneys develop diabetic nephropathy, which is manifested diabetic glomerulosclerosis (growth of connective tissue instead of kidney tissue, which causes a gradual decline in kidney function) and its extreme manifestation - nephrotic syndrome.

How does diabetic glomerulosclerosis

More often than not as a result of destruction of the blood vessels of the kidneys develops diabetic glomerulosclerosis, which is characterized by the appearance of protein in the urine, edema and high blood pressure.

The appearance of protein in the urine The protein in the urine - a sign of danger, which should not be underestimated   (proteinuria) is the first and most constant feature of the disease. Losses as high as 40 grams of protein per day. At the same time almost always affects the blood vessels of the retina (diabetic retinopathy), which may eventually lead to loss of vision.

High blood pressure (hypertension) can also be one of the first signs of kidney damage in diabetes. The frequency of this symptom increases with the duration of diabetes.

Young people in diabetic glomerulosclerosis more pronounced loss of protein in the urine, the elderly - increase in blood pressure.

Moderate edema due to protein loss observed in almost half of patients (namely protein holds the water and salt in the blood plasma). One of the most serious complications of diabetic glomerulosclerosis is nephrotic syndrome.

How does nephrotic syndrome

Complaints of patients with nephrotic syndrome - weakness, loss of appetite, thirst, dry mouth, swelling, feeling of heaviness in the lumbar region.

Swelling developed rapidly, accompanied by all the lower urine output. Gradually, the whole body swells (anasarca), and applies to abdominal dropsy (ascites) and chest (hydrothorax) cavity, heart bag (hydropericardium).

For large swellings on the skin appear pale band stretching. Skin peels, hair and nails become dry and brittle. With increasing hydrothorax hydropericardium and shortness of breath on exertion and at rest. If the strip is not in the abdominal fluid, it is possible to feel an increase of painless soft liver. May reduce the function of the thyroid gland The thyroid gland - is responsible for your hormones That further increase the tendency to edema.

If nephrotic syndrome, diverse and numerous complications: cerebral edema, swelling of the retinal fundus, a shock due to a sharp decrease in blood volume (hypovolemic shock), blockage of the vein blood clots, myocardial infarction, stroke, acute renal failure. During the period of drug therapy may increase the number of complications, as some drugs in the nephrotic syndrome can cause toxic and allergic effects, as well as enhance the manifestation of symptoms of nephrotic syndrome.

Prevention of diabetic nephropathy - adequate treatment of diabetes.

Galina Romanenko