What is Hydronephrosis
Hydronephrosis means swelling of the kidney due to buildup of urine.
- It happens when urine cannot flow out from the kidney to the bladder because of an obstruction or backflow (reflux).
- This causes the kidney tissue to stretch and, if untreated, may damage kidney function.
In homeopathy, hydronephrosis is seen as a mechanical problem with obstruction, but treatment also focuses on the constitutional tendency to recurrent stones, strictures, or urinary weakness.
Causes
Hydronephrosis can affect one kidney (unilateral) or both kidneys (bilateral).
Common causes:
- Urinary Stones (Calculi) – most common cause, blocking ureter.
- Ureteropelvic Junction (UPJ) Obstruction – congenital narrowing.
- Tumors or Enlarged Prostate – compressing urinary tract.
- Pregnancy – uterus pressing on ureter.
- Vesicoureteral Reflux (VUR) – urine flows backward from bladder to kidneys.
- Strictures / Scarring – after infection or surgery.
Symptoms
Mild hydronephrosis may be silent, but moderate to severe cases show:
- Flank pain / back pain (dull, aching or colicky if stones).
- Frequent urination but in small amounts.
- Nausea, vomiting (especially with stones).
- Fever, chills if infection is present.
- Blood in urine (hematuria).
- Swelling in abdomen in severe cases.
Complications
If untreated, hydronephrosis can lead to:
- Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs).
- Permanent kidney damage.
- Sepsis (if infection spreads).
- Progression to Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD).
Homeopathic Perspective & Remedies
Homeopathy aims at:
1. Relieving obstruction (esp. from stones).
2. Preventing recurrent infections.
3. Protecting kidney tissue from long-term damage.
4.Treating the constitutional cause (stone tendency, stricture tendency, reflux tendency).
Common Remedies (symptom-based selection)
- Berberis Vulgaris → Radiating pains from kidney to bladder or thighs, bubbling sensation in kidneys, stone tendency.
- Cantharis → Severe burning before, during, after urination; blood in urine; infection picture.
- Hydrangea Arborescens → “Stone breaker,” useful for gravel, white amorphous deposits, frequent urination.
- Lycopodium → Right-sided kidney issues, red sand in urine, worse in the afternoon, weak digestion.
- Pareira Brava → Straining during urination, must bend forward or press abdomen to urinate, pain radiating to thighs.
- Sarsaparilla → Severe pain at the end of urination, stone tendency, child cries while passing urine.
- Terebinthina → Smoky urine, albuminuria with kidney irritation, post-infective hydronephrosis.
- Apis Mellifica → Puffy swelling, scanty urine, stinging pains, associated edema.
In children with congenital hydronephrosis, constitutional remedies like Calcarea Carb, Sulphur, Thuja may be chosen based on overall constitution.
Supportive Measures
- Adequate hydration (but avoid over-drinking if kidney function is low).
- Avoid excess salt, spicy foods, and alcohol.
- Prevent constipation (as it worsens urinary pressure).
- Monitor urine output regularly.
- Seek urgent care if there is fever, severe pain, or very low urine output.
Patient-Friendly Summary
- Hydronephrosis means the kidney gets swollen due to blockage or backflow of urine.
- Common causes include stones, strictures, tumors, or reflux.
- Symptoms may be silent or show as pain, urinary troubles, infections, or blood in urine.
- Homeopathy offers gentle relief, especially in stone-related hydronephrosis, and helps prevent recurrences, reduce swelling, and preserve kidney health when chosen constitutionally.
- Proper diet, lifestyle care, and regular monitoring along with homeopathic treatment give the best long-term results.
