Causes Of Swollen Kidney
The following causes of Enlarged kidneys are diseases or conditions that affect more than 200,000 people :
1. Polycystic Kidney Disease
A genetic disorder known as polycystic kidney disease causes multiple cysts to grow in the kidneys. The cysts destroy normal kidney tissue, leading to enlargement of the kidneys. The Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center explains that this condition is a congenital defect in the chromosomes, which has a 50 percent risk of being passed to offspring when present in one parent. Adults with one dominant polycystic kidney gene experience onset of symptoms after 30 years of age. Symptoms include pressure in the abdomen from swollen kidneys, back pain and fatigue.
2. Glomerulonephritis
Glomeruli are tiny filters in the kidneys that connect to tubules. The combination of glumeruli and tubules make up a nephron, which is the basin functioning unit of the kidney. They function to filter the blood and return to the circulation substances such as protein, sugars, and other important nontoxic materials necessary for the bodily functions. Once the glomeruli are infected with bacteria or virus, it will cause inflammation; and once it affects quite a lot of them already, it will lead to marked inflammation of the kidney, causing the kidney to swell.
3. Hydronephrosis
Unilateral hydronephrosis refers to one enlarged kidney that is swollen due to backed up urine. If both kidneys are swollen the condition is known as bilateral hydronephrosis. Generally, these conditions occur as a result of another problem with the kidneys which prevents urine from entering into the bladder and therefore backing up in the kidneys. An obstruction can be a possible reason for this occurrence. For this reason, in addition to kidneyenlargement, an abdominal mass can sometimes be present in an individual with this condition.
4. Other Causes Of Enlarged kidneys
Kidney infection
Malignancies of the bladder, kidney, prostate, and other surrounding structures
Damage to the blood vessels that carries blood to and away from the kidneys
