How long will hydronephrosis be damaged if it is not treated?

If hydronephrosis is not treated promptly, it may cause irreversible damage to kidney function within weeks to months, depending on the severity of the condition and the reason for the delay in treatment. The main solutions for hydronephrosis include early intervention to remove the obstruction, protect kidney function, and prevent infection.

1. Threat of hydronephrosis to renal function

Hydronephrosis is the abnormal accumulation of urine in the kidneys, causing the renal pelvis and calyces to dilate. If left untreated for a long time, the obstructed urine flow can cause compression and damage to the kidney tissue. Mild hydronephrosis may take months to cause a significant decline in kidney function, while severe hydronephrosis can cause serious damage to the kidneys even within weeks. Delayed treatment can aggravate kidney sclerosis and loss of function, and may eventually lead to kidney failure.

2 Common causes and effects of hydronephrosis

Genetic factors: Congenital urinary tract malformations such as ureteropelvic junction obstruction may prevent urine from flowing out smoothly, resulting in hydronephrosis. If not discovered and treated in time, it may lead to severe kidney damage.

External factors: Late pregnancy, tumor compression of the urinary tract and other external factors can cause urine retention and increase the possibility of hydronephrosis. This situation usually requires surgical intervention or postpartum regulation to alleviate.

Pathological diseases: Urinary tract infection, ureteral stones or prostatic hyperplasia are often the causes of hydronephrosis, especially repeated infections, which can easily aggravate urinary tract obstruction and accelerate the destruction of kidney tissue.

3 How to treat hydronephrosis in time

Drug treatment: After the cause is identified, anti-inflammatory drugs such as cephalosporins can be taken to relieve urinary tract infections, and antispasmodics such as tamsulosin can be used to help reduce urinary tract resistance.

Surgical treatment: For severe hydronephrosis caused by ureteral stones or urinary tract obstruction, minimally invasive ureteroscopic lithotomy, double J tube insertion or pyeloplasty can be considered to relieve urinary tract obstruction.

Lifestyle adjustments: Drink plenty of water but avoid overdrinking, exercise appropriately to promote urine excretion, and avoid excessive intake of foods high in purine such as animal offal and seafood to prevent stone formation.

4 Timing of medical treatment and prognosis

If you experience persistent dull pain in your lower back, difficulty urinating, swelling on one side, or recurrent infections, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. Imaging tests such as color Doppler ultrasound or CT scans and urine analysis can quickly determine the severity and cause of hydronephrosis and develop a personalized treatment plan.

Hydronephrosis may pose a serious threat to kidney health, so after symptoms are discovered, systematic evaluation and treatment should be carried out under the guidance of a professional doctor. Avoid delay, as delay may lead to permanent kidney damage or even renal failure. Early intervention is the key.