Obstructive Uropathy

Obstructive Uropathy is a structural/functional disorder marked by an obstruction in the urinary tract that disrupts the flow of urine through it. Instead of flowing out of the body, the urine starts flowing back towards the kidneys and accumulates there. Obstructive uropathy can affect people of any age group and may even be congenital. 

What are the different types of Obstructive Uropathy?
Obstructive Uropathy is broadly classified into two types based on the onset of the symptoms and their progression.

• Congenital Obstructive Uropathy - The condition is present since birth and is caused by developmental abnormalities in the baby’s urinary tract.
• Acquired Obstructive Uropathy - The condition is not present since birth, but developed later, due to an underlying medical condition or injury.

What causes Obstructive Uropathy?
Obstructive Uropathy is marked by the inability of the kidneys to drain the urine, due to an obstruction in the urinary tract that may be caused by any of the following:

• Kidney or bladder stones
• A chronic disease affecting the digestive tract
• Injuries to the pelvis or abdomen
• Underlying nervous system disorder
• BPH or benign prostatic hyperplasia
• Cancer of the prostate, bladder, ureters, colon, cervix, uterus and ovaries 
• Development of scar tissue within the ureters and urethra
• Anatomic abnormalities (in small children)

What are the symptoms of Obstructive Uropathy?
Various symptoms that could be an indication of obstructive uropathy include:

• Inability to empty the bladder completely
• Weak stream of urine
• Increased and frequent urge to urinate
• Lowered urine output 
• Traces of blood in the urine