swelling in kidney means - #18826
I am really stressed about this swelling in kidney means thing. A few weeks ago, I had this random back pain and thought it was just from lifting heavy stuff at my job, but then I started feeling nausea and honestly, I couldn’t eat much. I went to the doc and they did a bunch of tests. They said there was swelling in my kidney, but they didn't explain what it really means or if it’s serious. I mean, I read stuff online and some sources say swelling in kidney means possible infection or something worse, which freaks me out. I know I shouldn’t rely on Google, but it’s like a rabbit hole. Also, are there specific symptoms I should be worried about? What’s the normal treatment for whatever this is? I don’t want to be paranoid but swelling in kidney means my body’s trying to tell me something, right? Should I be pushing for more tests or something? I don’t have a family history of kidney issues, so the whole thing is just bizarre! If anyone else has gone through this, some insights would be super helpful!
100% Anonymously
No sign-up needed.

Doctors' responses
Swelling in the kidney is often indicative of a condition known as hydronephrosis, where the kidney swells due to urine buildup. This can be caused by an obstruction in the urinary tract or by a condition like a kidney stone, infection, or less commonly, a structural abnormality. That nausea and back pain you experienced are not unusual, as they can be symptoms of this underlying issue. First, let’s talk about infection. A urinary tract infection (UTI) can sometimes ascend to the kidneys, causing a kidney infection, or pyelonephritis. In addition to back pain and nausea, you might notice symptoms like fever, chills, or changes in urination. It’s crucial to treat this promptly with antibiotics because leaving a kidney infection untreated can lead to serious complications.
Sometimes, kidney stones can cause swelling and pain. Stones can obstruct urine flow, leading to hydronephrosis. You’d often feel intense pain, usually on one side of your back, and might also experience blood in your urine. If a stone is suspected, imaging like an ultrasound or a CT scan is often used to confirm its presence and appropriate treatment would depend on the size and location of the stone. It can range from waiting for the stone to pass to more invasive procedures if necessary.
If you feel unwell or notice worsening symptoms like high fever, severe pain, or blood in your urine, you should definitely seek medical attention swiftly. Regarding additional tests, it may be helpful to discuss with your doctor whether further imaging or tests like a urine analysis are needed, depending on the suspected cause. They can provide a more tailored plan based on your unique circumstances. While it’s good to stay informed, it’s important not to jump to conclusions; your healthcare provider can guide you through understanding the cause of the swelling and the best course of action. Don’t hesitate to reach out to them to have your concerns addressed and discussed thoroughly.
100% Anonymously
Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential. No sign-up needed.
About our doctors
Only qualified doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.