Important things to know about Kidney Atrophy

The kidneys are usually the size of your fists. However, in some people, the kidneys can be smaller than the average. This condition is called atrophy of the kidneys. This also affects how well the kidneys work.

The two kidneys are not entirely symmetrical. The left kidney is slightly larger than the right one and placed slightly higher up. Atrophy can happen to both or either of the kidneys.

What are the causes of Kidney atrophy?

Kidney atrophy should not be confused with kidney hypoplasia (a condition where the kidneys do not develop properly in the womb and the child is born with smaller than usual kidneys). Kidney atrophy happens after a person is born. A few factors might lead to this kind of atrophy –

• Blockage of the urinary tract – if the urinary tract is blocked, the full volume of urine cannot be discharged. This exerts pressure on the kidneys and the nephrons shrink.

• Clogged kidney arteries – sometimes, fat deposits or blood clots cause blockage in the arteries that carry blood to the kidneys. Without the requisite quantity of blood, the kidneys cannot function properly.

• Kidney stones – kidney stones too cause blockages in these organs and diminish their functionality.

• Long-term chronic kidney diseases such as pyelonephritis, polycystic kidney disease and others can also make the kidneys shrink.

What are the symptoms of Kidney Atrophy?

Since it is a kidney disorder, a person will experience many of the symptoms of chronic kidney disease –

• Frequent urge to urinate

• Pain while urinating

• Presence of blood in the urine

• Abdominal pain or ache along the sides

• Perpetual exhaustion

• Bloating caused by water retention

• Loss of appetite

• Inflammation of the hands and feet

• Itchiness of the skin

How is Kidney Atrophy diagnosed?

When you go to a doctor with these symptoms, you will be asked to undergo a few tests such as ultrasound, Computed Tomography (CT) scan or a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Diagnosing this disorder at the right time can prevent further deterioration of the kidneys.

Kidney atrophy can turn dangerous unless proper attention is given to it.