|  | Conditions Treatments | Urinary Disorders

Urinary Blockage

Urinary blockage, usually referred to as a urinary obstruction, can occur anywhere in the urinary tract. The urinary tract includes the kidneys, ureter, urethra, bladder and, in men, the prostate. Urinary obstructions can develop suddenly or gradually, but because they can permanently damage the kidneys, it is important to seek treatment for any symptoms of a urinary obstruction. According to the Mayo Clinic, approximately one in every 1,000 people develops a urinary obstruction.

  1. Causes

    • Urinary obstructions have many causes, including prostate enlargement in men or an enlarged uterus in pregnant women. They can also occur as a result of stones in the kidneys, ureter or bladder, tumors inside the urinary tract or compressing it from outside, blood clots, or pelvic fractures. Infections, weak bladders and abnormal tissue growth can also lead to this condition.

    Symptoms

    • Symptoms of a urinary obstruction include the inability to pass urine, which is also known as urinary retention, a weak or interrupted stream of urine, blood in the urine, abdominal pain or swelling, and pain in your side or back.

    Effects

    • Untreated urinary obstructions often lead to infections, caused by urine flowing the wrong way. They can also lead to kidney failure. Blockage of one kidney is referred to as unilateral obstruction, while blockage involving both kidneys is called bilateral obstruction. Unilateral obstruction usually does not cause kidney failure if the other kidney functions normally, but bilateral obstruction can cause permanent and life-threatening kidney failure.

    Diagnosis

    • Doctors diagnose urinary obstruction with a variety of tests, including abdominal X-rays and blood and urine tests. Urine cultures are sometimes used to diagnose urinary tract infections, which obstructions often cause. Other available tests include uroflowmeter tests, which measure how quickly urine comes out, CT scans and abdominal MRI scans.

    Treatment

    • Treatment for a urinary obstruction depends on the type, location and severity of the obstruction. Doctors sometimes insert catheters or stents to help drain urine and provide immediate relief to the patient. This may suffice, but often additional treatment is necessary. Doctors may prescribe medications to reduce infections or enlarged prostates. Shockwave procedures can break apart small stones. Surgery is sometimes necessary to treat urinary obstructions.

Urinary Disorders - Related Articles