About this topic
Your urinary tract is made up of 2 kidneys, 2 ureters, your bladder, and your urethra. When urine is made by your kidney, it drains down into tubes called ureters. These ureters are joined to your bladder. Your bladder stores urine. When your bladder is full, it squeezes your urine out into the urethra and you pass the urine out of your body. ‚
Urinary obstruction is a health problem where the flow of urine is blocked. A blockage can happen at any part of your urinary tract. This will make the urine go back to your bladder or one or both of the kidneys. This can cause injury to your bladder or your kidneys. You can have a block on just one side or on both sides. The problem can be sudden or long term. The block can be complete and stop any flow of urine coming out. The block may be partial, where some urine is let out, but the flow of urine is not normal. ‚
Treatment depends on what is blocking your urinary tract. ‚
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What are the causes?
Many illnesses can cause a block in the urinary system. Some of them are: ‚
- Urinary tract stones
- Narrowing of the urethra
- Tumors of nearby organs
- Cancer of the urinary or digestive tract or the reproductive system
- Enlarged prostate
- Blood clots
- Kidney disease of pregnancy
- Problems with the urinary tract present from birth
- Changes due to aging
- Chronic urinary tract infections (UTIs)
What can make this more likely to happen?
This problem is more common in a person with: ‚
- Sickle cell anemia
- Diabetes
- Neuromuscular disease
- Pregnancy
- Cancer
- History of kidney stones
- Inflammatory bowel disease
What are the main signs?
- Pain on the side, in the lower back, the groin or when passing urine
- Signs of a urinary tract infection (UTI), like fever and chills, need to pass urine fast, or blood in the urine
- Upset stomach or throwing up
- Swelling in your stomach
- Weight gain
- Swelling
- Low amount of urine
- High blood pressure
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
Your doctor will take your history and do an exam which may include: ‚
- Feeling the belly for soreness and swelling
- Checking your feet, ankles, and legs for swelling
- Checking your blood pressure
The doctor may order: ‚
- Abdominal ultrasound and CT scans ¢ ˆ ’ These show pictures of the organs in the belly area.
- MRI
- Intravenous pyelogram ¢ ˆ ’ Special x-ray exam of the urinary tract using dye.
- Voiding cystourethrogram ¢ ˆ ’ X-ray exam of the urinary tract that is done while emptying the bladder.
- Renal nuclear scan ¢ ˆ ’ How well the kidneys are working is measured using small amount of nuclear material.
- Lab tests on your urine and blood
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
The doctor will work to find the cause of the block. You will need to have the block removed and your urinary tract fixed. ‚
You may need help draining your urine from your bladder or kidneys. Your doctor may use a: ‚
- Drain
- Kidney tube
- Bladder tube
- Indwelling urinary catheter
If this problem is caused by cancer or a tumor, chemo may be needed to treat the cancer. ‚
You may need surgery to fix this problem. Your doctor may need to do surgery to remove a tumor or a kidney stone. ‚
Are there other health problems to treat?
Sometimes, a block is a sign of some other disease. If this is the case, your doctor will treat the main problem right away. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain
- Prevent infection
- Help flush out kidney stones
- Control your blood pressure
- Get rid of extra fluid in the body
What problems could happen?
- Infection
- Kidneys not working well
- Kidney failure
- High blood pressure
- Urine leaking
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
Drink 6 to 8 glasses or water each day. This will help keep your urine less concentrated. It also lowers your chance for kidney stones. ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚