Will hydronephrosis cause facial swelling?

Written by Zhou Qi

Nephrology

Updated on September 21, 2024

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In cases of hydronephrosis, it is not certain whether facial swelling will occur.

Since the human body has two kidneys, the kidneys have strong compensatory capabilities. Even if one kidney is completely damaged, if the other kidney remains healthy, the remaining kidney can still perform the function of two kidneys. It can ensure sufficient excretion of water and metabolic waste. When water is sufficiently excreted, swelling should not occur.

However, if both kidneys are affected by hydronephrosis, or if the opposite kidney also has problems, then the ability of the kidneys to excrete water may decrease. With both kidneys having issues, it can lead to poor and insufficient water excretion, consequently causing swelling, such as bilateral eyelids, facial areas, and both ankles.

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Written by Zhou Qi

Nephrology

42sec

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Does hydronephrosis cause pain?

Patients with hydronephrosis do not all experience pain. In fact, only a minority of patients experience pain. Hydronephrosis is caused by some form of urinary obstruction, such as urinary system stones, tumors, or problems like prostate enlargement, which prevent urine from being excreted smoothly. In this case, the accumulation of fluid can be a long-term, gradual buildup. Patients often adapt to the progression of the condition and do not exhibit obvious symptoms, especially in the early stages. However, some patients may experience pain, such as those with urinary system stones, or pain may occur when a tumor ruptures.

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Written by Zhou Qi

Nephrology

48sec

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Hydronephrosis should be seen by the Urology Department.

Hydronephrosis requires consultation at the urology department of a formal public hospital. Hydronephrosis refers to the situation where urine produced by the kidneys cannot be smoothly excreted. The primary reason is usually due to obstructions in the urinary tract below the kidneys, such as in the ureter or bladder. Obstructive factors primarily include stones, tumors, prostate enlargement in men, scarring or adhesions in the ureter, or inadequate ureteral motility, among others, often necessitating urologic intervention. These obstructive factors usually require surgical removal, such as using ultrasonic lithotripsy for stones or direct surgical intervention, thus necessitating a visit to urology.

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Written by Zhou Qi

Nephrology

50sec

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Can you have sex with hydronephrosis?

Before the complete resolution of hydronephrosis, it is recommended that patients avoid sexual intercourse. This is because hydronephrosis indicates the presence of obstructive factors in the urinary system, causing urine to not be excreted smoothly. Urine accumulates within the urinary system, causing dilation of the renal pelvis, calyces, and ureter. If urine cannot be excreted, bacteria can easily ascend from the urethral opening into the urinary system, causing an inflammatory response. If patients engage in sexual intercourse during this time, bacteria at the urethral opening can easily be pressed into the bladder, ascending and potentially causing pyelonephritis or cystitis. Therefore, it is best for such patients to avoid sexual intercourse until the hydronephrosis has been thoroughly addressed.

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Written by Zhou Qi

Nephrology

46sec

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How is hydronephrosis treated?

The treatment of hydronephrosis often requires surgery. Decisions about diagnosis and treatment plans should be based on clinical symptoms, the duration of the obstruction, the location of the obstruction, and whether there is an infection. Since hydronephrosis is typically caused by a pathological factor that blocks the ureter, surgery is often necessary to remove the obstruction in order to address the hydronephrosis and prevent further damage to kidney function. The principle of the surgery is that if the obstruction is minor, a simple corrective surgery may suffice. However, if the dilation of the ureter and renal pelvis is very significant, a reanastomosis of the ureter and renal pelvis might be needed.

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Written by Zhou Qi

Nephrology

47sec

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Will hydronephrosis cause facial swelling?

In cases of hydronephrosis, it is not certain whether facial swelling will occur. Since the human body has two kidneys, the kidneys have strong compensatory capabilities. Even if one kidney is completely damaged, if the other kidney remains healthy, the remaining kidney can still perform the function of two kidneys. It can ensure sufficient excretion of water and metabolic waste. When water is sufficiently excreted, swelling should not occur. However, if both kidneys are affected by hydronephrosis, or if the opposite kidney also has problems, then the ability of the kidneys to excrete water may decrease. With both kidneys having issues, it can lead to poor and insufficient water excretion, consequently causing swelling, such as bilateral eyelids, facial areas, and both ankles.