Can hydronephrosis cause lung infection?

Hydronephrosis itself will not directly cause lung infection, but severe hydronephrosis may lead to systemic complications, indirectly increasing the risk of lung infection. Hydronephrosis is caused by obstruction of urine excretion, which leads to increased pressure in the kidneys, which may cause kidney damage or infection. If the infection spreads throughout the body, it may affect lung health.

1. Causes of hydronephrosis

Common causes of hydronephrosis include urinary tract obstruction, congenital urinary tract malformations, stones, tumors, or prostatic hyperplasia. Urinary tract obstruction may be caused by external compression or internal blockage, which prevents urine from being discharged normally and increases the pressure in the kidneys. Congenital urinary tract malformations are more common in children, while stones and tumors may occur at any age.

2. Association between hydronephrosis and lung infection

Severe hydronephrosis may lead to decreased renal function, accumulation of toxins in the body, decreased immunity, and increased risk of infection. If hydronephrosis causes a urinary tract infection, bacteria may spread to the lungs through the blood, causing pneumonia or other lung infections. Patients who are bedridden for a long time or have a weakened immune system are more likely to develop lung infections.

3. Treatment methods

Treatment for hydronephrosis includes relieving obstruction, controlling infection, and protecting renal function. Specific measures are as follows:

Drug treatment: Use antibiotics to control infection, such as cephalosporins and quinolones; diuretics to help excrete excess fluid.

Surgical treatment: Surgery to relieve urinary tract obstruction, such as nephrostomy, ureteral stent placement, or stone removal.

Lifestyle adjustments: Drink more water to promote urine excretion, avoid high-salt diet, and reduce the burden on the kidneys.

4. Prevent lung infection

The key to preventing lung infection is to control hydronephrosis and improve immunity.

Have regular physical examinations to detect and treat urinary tract obstruction early.

Keep the airway open, avoid long-term bed rest, and perform deep breathing and coughing exercises appropriately.

Eat a balanced diet and supplement with vitamin C and zinc to enhance immunity.

Although hydronephrosis does not directly lead to lung infection, it may indirectly increase the risk of infection in severe cases. The incidence of lung infection can be effectively reduced by timely treatment of hydronephrosis, infection control and lifestyle improvement. If symptoms such as fever, cough or difficulty breathing occur, seek medical attention in time to avoid worsening of the condition.