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Kidney & Urinary Health
Question #17051
3 days ago
16

kidney swelling means - #17051

Arush

I am really worried about something that’s happened to me lately. My doctor mentioned that kidney swelling means I might have some underlying issues, but I don't really understand what that means? Like, last week I started feeling this dull ache in my back, kinda just above where my pants sit, and then last night, I noticed my ankles and feet were kinda puffy. I thought maybe I just spent too much time on my feet, but when I looked it up, of course, kidney swelling means something different, right? I had some blood tests done, and they said my creatinine levels were slightly elevated which freaked me out because I don’t know what that means exactly. I mean, could it be serious? Or is it something that can just happen and go away? Also, I've read that kidney swelling means different things depending on what caused it, but I’m freaking out a little. Should I be asking for more tests? What kind of thing could be causing kidney swelling means to have serious implications or is it more common than I think? I just want to understand what’s going on and what steps I should take next. I don’t wanna ignore anything serious!

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Doctors’ responses

Kidney swelling, also called renal edema or nephroedema, usually implies that there’s inflammation or a blockage causing the kidney to become enlarged. This can be due to a range of underlying issues, such as infections like pyelonephritis, blockages from kidney stones, or possibly more chronic problems like glomerulonephritis or hydronephrosis. The dull ache in your lower back and swelling in your ankles can indeed be related to possible kidney issues. Elevated creatinine levels in your blood tests further indicate that there might be some impairment in kidney function, since creatinine is a waste product filtered by the kidneys. If the kidneys aren’t working properly, creatinine builds up in the blood. While these symptoms can be concerning, they are manageable with prompt diagnosis and appropriate intervention. Serious implications of kidney swelling can include reduced kidney function or even kidney failure if left untreated. It’s certainly advisable to follow up with further investigations. I recommend discussing with your doctor the need for imaging studies like ultrasound or CT scans to get a clear view of your kidneys and potentially identify structural issues or blockages. Additional blood tests, urine tests, or even referral to a nephrologist might be in order depending on the initial findings. These steps will help pinpoint the underlying cause and guide treatment options effectively. It’s crucial not to delay follow-up consultations, especially if symptoms worsen or if you experience severe pain, fever, or changes in urination. Early intervention significantly improves outcomes, and with the right treatment, many kidney-related issues resolve or stabilize effectively. Continue monitoring your symptoms closely, and consider making lifestyle adjustments such as maintaining a healthy diet, staying hydrated, and avoiding nephrotoxic substances like excessive NSAIDs, which can stress the kidneys further.

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