Your kidneys help remove waste and extra fluid from your body. But when something blocks urine from flowing properly, the kidneys can become swollen — a condition known as hydronephrosis. If left untreated, it can lead to serious kidney damage.
Here are some common signs of swollen kidneys, along with the causes you shouldn’t ignore:
1. Pain in the Lower Back or Side
You may feel a sharp or dull pain in your back, usually on one side. This pain can come and go or feel constant, depending on how swollen the kidney is.
2. Trouble or Pain When Urinating
If it feels painful when you pee or you find it hard to urinate, this may be a sign that urine is not flowing normally — which can cause swelling in the kidneys.
3. Frequent Urge to Urinate (with Little Output)
Feeling like you need to urinate often, but passing only small amounts, could mean there’s a blockage or infection affecting your urinary system.
4. Blood in the Urine
Seeing blood in your urine should never be ignored. It could be caused by kidney stones, infection, or pressure in the urinary tract from a swollen kidney.
5. Fever and Chills
If you also have a fever or chills along with painful urination or back pain, it may be a sign of a kidney infection, which needs fast treatment.
Possible Causes of Swollen Kidneys
Kidney Stones: These can block urine flow and cause buildup in the kidneys.
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): When untreated, UTIs can reach the kidneys and cause swelling.
Blocked Urinary Tract: From an enlarged prostate, tumor, or other obstruction.
Pregnancy: Can sometimes press against the urinary tubes, slowing urine flow.
Birth Defects: Some people are born with urinary tract problems that cause swelling later in life.
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