Hydronephrosis: Symptoms

What are the symptoms of hydronephrosis?

Symptoms of hydronephrosis and common coexisting conditions and underlying causes of hydronephrosis can vary. Sometimes there may be no symptoms. General symptoms may include:

• Cloudy or discolored urine

• Difficulty urinating or painful urination (dysuria)

• Fatigue

• Fever

• Flank pain

• Foul-smelling urine

• Frequent urination

• Nausea and vomiting

• Unexplained weight gain

• Urgent urination

Symptoms that might indicate a serious or life-threatening condition

Hydronephrosis is often caused by a serious condition of the kidney or urinary tract, such as kidney stones. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you, or someone you are with, have any of the following symptoms:

• Blood clots in urine or bloody urine (hematuria)

• Change in consciousness, such as passing out or unresponsiveness

• Change in mental status or sudden behavior change such as confusion

• Decrease in urination or lack of urination

• Severe flank pain that moves or radiates to the lower abdomen, groin, labia, or testicles

• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing