Living with Hydronephrosis: Coping Strategies and Support Resources

If you experience pain in the back or pain during urinating; then chances are you may have a condition called hydronephrosis. It is a rare condition that affects one kidney making excess fluid buildup in the kidney which makes it swell. Sometimes it also affects both kidneys. While it gets better on its own sometimes it can lead to permanent kidney damage or kidney failure. Learn how you improve hydronephrosis symptoms naturally and prevent them in this article. If you want to know more about urological health, visit us at Doral Health and Wellness Urology Center and consult with the best nephrologists and urologists in East New York.

Hydronephrosis: Coping strategies and dietary modifications

Certain ways can help you cope with hydronephrosis symptoms and prevent them. It includes:

1. Stay hydrated:

Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water and fluids can help you dilute urine and remove bacteria from the urinary system. So, aim to drink at least eight glasses of water per day. If your baby or child has hydronephrosis, encourage them to drink more fluids by giving them fresh fruit juice, ice pops, or chilled herbal tea. However, don’t give them artificial juices or soft drinks that contain citrus and caffeine because it can irritate the bladder and make the pain worse.

2. Warm compression to lower pain and swelling:

If you have pain around your abdomen or back, you can try a warm compress with a heating pad or putting a warm damp towel. To prepare a warm towel or blanket, just put them in front of the dryer for a few minutes. Apply this warm towel over the pain area for about 15 minutes, several times a day or when needed. Just make sure the towel/ heating pad is not extremely hot because that can burn the skin.

3. Don’t hold urine:

Don’t hold your urine because it can cause discomfort and pain. So, try to urinate frequently for about every 2 hours, or more, if needed.

4. Prevent constipation:

Constipation can cause pain and swelling around the abdomen worse, so take these steps to prevent it:

• Eating enough fiber in your diet like a variety of fresh vegetables and fruits, nuts, seeds, soaked beans, avocado, and coconut.
• Drink enough fluids.
• Stay physically active throughout the day by performing gentle exercises like walking or stretching.
• Get enough sleep at night and manage your stress levels with stress-relieving techniques like yoga, massage, talking with loved ones, deep breathing, etc.
• Take a magnesium supplement, if needed before sleep because it can loosen your stool and relax muscles in the pelvis. Add this to your routine after consulting with your doctor.
• Consuming chia and flax seeds soaked in water increases absorption rate and helps to lubricate stools.
• Use aloe vera gel or psyllium husk.

5. Prevent the development of kidney stones:

If you take diuretics, have a history of chronic urinary tract infections, gout, hyperthyroidism, and trouble digesting minerals normally, or are very inactive, then you’re at elevated risk of developing kidney stones. However, if you follow a healthy diet that is alkalizing and low in oxalates then, the risk of kidney stones is less. Here are some of the best foods to support your kidney health and prevent kidney stones:

• Fresh vegetables and fruit: Some research has found that people who eat a plant-based diet, low in dairy products and meat, tend to have lower kidney stones. So, add foods like bananas, leafy greens of all kinds, sprouted legumes, sprouted grains, fish, and small amounts of pasture-raised poultry.
• Vitamin E-rich foods: These include olive oil, almonds, avocado, berries, and butternut squash.
• Alkaline foods: Lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, raw honey, green smoothies, sea veggies, and fresh vegetables.
• Magnesium and potassium-rich foods – Leafy green veggies, cruciferous veggies, melon, bananas, cocoa, and avocado.
• Sprouted grains instead of refined grain products because it reduces antinutrient content and makes nutrients more digestible.

Additionally, lower the consumption of processed, sugary, and refined foods. Avoid refined grains and foods that are high in oxalic acid like spinach, rhubarb, tomatoes, collards, eggplant, beets, celery, summer squash, grapefruit, sweet potatoes, peanuts, almonds, blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, parsley, etc., and foods that have too much vitamin C and zinc, caffeine, and alcohol.

You can add these supplements to your routine after consulting with a doctor to reduce kidney problems such as magnesium, B vitamins, cranberry extract, aloe vera gel, and essential oils such as lemon, orange, lime, or helichrysum essential oil. In case your doctor thinks you are more at risk of complications due to kidney stones, then the doctor may prescribe medications to prevent them.

6. Prevent UTIs:

UTIs can increase the risk of hydronephrosis or worsen the existing symptoms. You can use the following tips to prevent UTIs:

• Practice safe sex by limiting the number of partners you have or using protection.
• Visit your doctor regularly for annual check-ups and report any UTI symptoms honestly to get prompt treatment.
• Take a probiotic supplement daily and eat probiotic-rich foods like kefir, yogurt, kimchi, etc.
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids.
• Urinate frequently because it helps to flush out bacteria that may enter the urethra.
• Wipe your urethra properly from front to back, especially after a bowel movement, to ensure the bacteria don’t enter into the urethra.
• Wear loose-fitting clothes and underwear to keep your urethra dry and allow airflow. Limit or avoid tight jeans or material like nylon that can trap air and bacteria.
• Use clove, myrrh, and oregano essential oils to improve UTI symptoms.
• Regularly eat garlic in your meals or take garlic capsules.

Living with hydronephrosis can be difficult if you experience constant pain or pain during vomiting around the kidney area, nausea, vomiting, fever, etc. It usually affects one kidney, but sometimes it can affect both kidneys as well. The above-mentioned coping strategies can help you prevent and manage symptoms of hydronephrosis.

Need help with hydronephrosis, visit our urology clinic in Brooklyn to get professional medical help. Call us to book your appointment now!!!!

At Doral Health and Wellness Urology Center, our team of urologists will work with you in managing your disease and your quality of life. We also offer services, such as renal and bladder ultrasound. To schedule an appointment, please visit us at 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11212 or call 1-347-384-5690. You can also visit our website at https://www.urologistbrooklyn.com/.