Associated symptoms of kidney enlargement

The possible accompanying symptoms of kidney enlargement can be as varied as its causes. Reduced urine volume, bloody urine and pain when urinating may indicate urinary calculus. Fever, chills and water retention (edema) in the legs or eyelid can indicate inflammation of the kidneys, which can also lead to frothy urine due to protein loss caused by the impaired filter function of the kidneys.

In the case of diabetes insipidus (water dysentery), the daily amount of urine may be increased and may be associated with a greatly increased feeling of thirst and corresponding drinking quantities. In some cases, kidney enlargement may be palpable under the skin. If an abscess is the cause it is possible to find a local redness of the skin above the kidney. In addition, there are a number of unspecific symptoms such as fatigue and a general feeling of illness, which can be associated with reduced physical performance.

Pain with kidney enlargement

Depending on the cause, kidney pain can be acutely colicky or chronically persistent. A flank pain is often described as well as a knocking pain over the kidneys, which can be triggered by tapping with the fist at kidney level on the back. Pain in the groin region can be caused by the pressure of the enlarged kidney on the adjacent nerves. The kidney capsule is sensitive to pain and hardly stretchable. In case of inflammation, the resulting swelling and limited space can cause severe pain.

Therapy of a kidney enlargement

First of all, adequate pain relief with potent painkillers is the most important measure. The further treatment strategies depend on the cause.If a urinary calculus blocks the ureters and prevents the urine from flowing away, a spontaneous discharge of the calculus can be awaited in the case of stones smaller than 5 millimeters and without complications. In this case, the person affected should move around a lot and drink plenty of fluids.

The doctor can prescribe medication to support the stone removal. The urine should then be passed through a sieve to check for possible stone loss. To prevent urinary stones in general, a generous fluid intake of at least 2.5 liters per day should be made. In addition, a low-salt, balanced and high-fiber diet is recommended.