A baby with Hydronephrosis

Описание: Hydronephrosis in a baby means that one or both kidneys are swollen because urine is not draining properly.
Here’s a simple explanation:
🧠 What normally happens?


The kidneys make urine.


Urine flows down thin tubes (ureters) to the bladder.


The bladder stores urine until the baby pees.


🚰 What happens in hydronephrosis?


Urine gets blocked or flows backward.


This causes urine to build up in the kidney.


The kidney becomes stretched and swollen.



👶 Why does this happen in babies?
It’s often found during pregnancy on an ultrasound. Common causes include:


Temporary swelling (very common and often resolves on its own)


Blockage where the kidney meets the ureter (UPJ obstruction)


Urine flowing backward from the bladder to the kidney (vesicoureteral reflux)


Rare structural abnormalities



📊 How serious is it?
It depends on the severity:


Mild → Very common, usually resolves on its own


Moderate → Needs monitoring


Severe → May require treatment or surgery


Doctors usually monitor with:


Repeat ultrasounds


Sometimes special urine tests or imaging studies



⚠️ Symptoms (if present)
Many babies have no symptoms.
In more serious cases:


Urinary tract infections (UTIs)


Fever


Poor feeding


Vomiting



💊 Treatment


Mild cases: Just monitoring


Antibiotics (sometimes) to prevent infection


Surgery (if there is a significant blockage)