kidney and urinary tract disorders
Urinary Tract Obstruction
Symptoms of Urinary Obstruction
Symptoms depend on the cause, location, and duration of the obstruction. When the obstruction begins quickly and distends the bladder, ureter, and/or the kidney, it usually causes pain. If the kidney is distended, renal colic can develop. Renal colic is an excruciating pain between the ribs and hip on the affected side that comes and goes every few minutes. The pain may extend into a testis or the vaginal area. People may have nausea and vomiting. Obstruction of one ureter does not reduce how much people urinate. Obstruction can stop or reduce urination if blockage affects the ureters from both kidneys or if it affects the urethra. Obstruction of the urethra or bladder outlet may cause pain, pressure, and distention of the bladder. People who have slowly progressive obstruction that causes hydronephrosis may have no symptoms, or they may have attacks of dull, aching discomfort in the flank (the part of the back between the lower end of the ribs and the spine) on the affected side. Sometimes, a kidney stone temporarily blocks the ureter and causes pain that occurs intermittently. Obstruction that leads to hydronephrosis may cause vague digestive tract symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. These symptoms sometimes occur in children when hydronephrosis results from a birth defect in which the junction of the ureter and renal pelvis is too narrow (ureteropelvic junction obstruction). People who have Overview of Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) (UTIs) may have pus or blood in the urine, fever, and discomfort in the area of the bladder or kidneys. 