How to Identify Uropathy

Uropathy is a renal dysfunction resulting from an existing obstruction within the urinary tract. This condition affects both males and females and usually occurs in the third decade of life. There are a lot of factors that cause uropathy such as tumors or stones in the urinary tract, enlargement of the prostate, tumors along neighboring organs, or hernia in the urinary bladder (bladder cystocele). When there is a blockage along the tubes within the urinary tract, the normal outflow of urine will be affected. Instead of being emptied out from the kidneys into the bladder, the urine flows back into the kidneys, causing damage known as hydronephrosis (cystic distention of the kidney due to accumulation of urine in the renal pelvis). Symptoms of uropathy are as follows.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Notice if you feel any pain or tenderness on the flank area. This is the area on the side between the abdomen and the back near the level of the hip. The pain is occurs suddenly and is either mild or severe in nature and it can be felt on one or both sides depending on the severity of the condition. Pain is often caused by the pressure of the obstruction as it distends the bladder or any part of the urinary system.
2. Observe the output of your urine. Decrease in urine output is typical among patients. Usually, as the patient urinates, abnormal flow is instantly noticeable. The stream of the urine as it flows has a weaker force than what it normally is. The flow of the urine is gurgled at the end of urination due to a partially clogged urinary tract.
3. Check how often you urinate. Patients often experience difficulty in controlling the flow of urine (incontinence), may urinate more frequently than normal and may also have increased urgency to urinate even at night.
4. Try to feel if there is pain or if you find it difficult to urinate. Patients may find it hard to urinate normally and discomfort may also be felt due to pain, stinging, or a burning sensation during urination.
5. Look at the color of your urine. Discoloration of urine may occur due to the presence of blood and infection along the urinary tract. Urine may appear darker, cloudy, or rusty.
6. Schedule for a check-up if infection is present. Urinary tract infection is usually associated with fever and chills.
7. Rest and relax when you feel nauseated and have the urge to throw up. Nausea and vomiting usually comes along with flank pain, especially when the pain is severe.
8. Feel or palpate for some existing mass or lump on the flank area. Hydronephrosis of the kidney (cystic distention of the kidney due to accumulation of urine in the renal pelvis) may produce a palpable lump or mass, which often appears in severe cases.
9. Check your blood pressure. An abrupt increase in blood pressure may be present along with edema, which is caused by a disturbed kidney function.

Tips & Warnings

• If any of the mentioned symptoms are observed, head to the doctor right away to prevent complications and permanent damage to your urinary tract and kidneys.