Renal prolapse is called nephroptosis. This is a pathology in which these organs have excessive mobility. Normally, the kidneys can move 1-2 cm up or down. This happens with a change in body position, as well as with breathing. With nephroptosis in an upright position, the kidney falls into the abdominal cavity, and in severe cases, even into the small pelvis (vagus).
Etiology
The kidneys are held in position by using special ligaments. With their weakening, these organs can shift much more than it happens when everything is normal.
If kidney prolapse develops, the causes of this pathology may be the following:
- sudden weight loss, which leads to a decrease in the fat capsule;
- hereditary excessive extensibility of connective fibers (for example, with Ehlers Danloe syndrome);
- a sharp lifting of the load or injury in the lumbar region, which leads to damage to the ligamentous apparatus;
- formation of a hematoma in the perinephric fiber;
- when there is a prolapse of the kidney, the causes of this disease may include stretching of the abdominal muscles , which, for example, happens during pregnancy;
- heavy physical exertion;
- infectious diseases of the kidneys.
Clinic. Features of pain with nephroptosis
At first, there are no clinical manifestations. Subsequently, discomfort appears in the lumbar region. At first, the pain is pulling or aching, less often - pricking, quickly disappears, is not pronounced. Then it becomes more intense, constant, draining the patient.
Pain when drooping the kidney first occurs after physical exertion, a strong cough, or as a result of lifting weights and decreases in the supine position. It should be noted that their localization is quite different - not only in the kidneys, but also in the back, stomach, under the shoulder blade. This is due to the fact that the displaced kidney compresses adjacent organs. Sometimes pain with nephroptosis mimics renal colic and is characterized by irradiation to the genitals or inguinal region. During a pain attack, nausea and vomiting, fever can be observed.
Patients also show a decrease in appetite, constipation or diarrhea, functional disorders of the nervous system (neurasthenia, increased irritability), dizziness, insomnia and palpitations.
Degrees of Nephroptosis
The following degrees of kidney prolapse are distinguished:
• First - the kidney can be felt when inhaling through the front abdominal wall. In this case, the patient may experience aching lower back pain, which disappears when lying down. During exhalation, she moves in the hypochondrium. It should be noted that it is possible to probe the kidney only in very thin people, in all others it is not palpable.
• The second degree - in the upright position of the patient, the kidney completely leaves the hypochondrium, but when lying down returns to its place. It can be set with your hands without pain. At this stage of the disease, lower back pain becomes more intense and spreads to the abdomen. They increase with physical exertion and disappear if the patient is lying.
• Third - the kidney in any position leaves the hypochondrium and can fall into the small pelvis. At the same time, patients complain of constant abdominal pain, which can give to the lumbar region. Blood appears in the urine after exercise.
Complications
It should be noted that nephroptosis is a pathological process that leads to serious consequences. With a significant displacement of the kidneys, the ureter twists and bends, as a result of which the normal outflow of urine is disturbed. This leads to the expansion of the pelvis and provokes a hydronephrotic transformation.
In most cases, stagnation of urine causes pyelonephritis. Urolithiasis and hematuria (the appearance of blood impurities in the urine) can also be observed. In addition, nephroptosis can provoke spontaneous miscarriages, lead to a stroke and complete disability, so timely access to a doctor is the key to preventing a number of pathological conditions, which in some cases pose a threat to life.
When kidney prolapse develops, the consequences of this pathology may include arterial hypertension, which is associated with a violation of the blood supply to the diseased organ.
Conservative therapy
Treatment for kidney prolapse depends on the degree of the disease. At the initial stages, orthopedic techniques are effective. Patients are encouraged to wear special bandages, which are made for each patient individually. It should be noted that they must be worn while lying down and tightened during exhalation. A contraindication to such therapy is the fixation of a lowered kidney by adhesions.
If the cause of the pathology is a sharp decrease in weight, then the treatment of kidney prolapse must necessarily include an appropriate diet, the purpose of which is to increase the perinephric fat layer. Patients are also advised to limit salt and meat in their diet in order to reduce the burden on the diseased organ.
To eliminate the pain syndrome, patients are prescribed antispasmodics and painkillers. A positive effect is given by warm baths and a position with raised legs. If inflammation of the kidneys develops, antibiotic therapy is included in the complex treatment.
It is important to strengthen the muscle fibers of the abdominals and back. For this, massage courses are prescribed, as well as therapeutic exercises. At the first stage of kidney prolapse, spa treatment, limiting physical activity and jumping are recommended.
Nephroptosis Correction Exercises
A set of special exercises should be performed in the morning (on an empty stomach and on a soft rug). Before class, it is recommended to drink warm water. The duration of the exercise should be at least 30 minutes.
1. You need to lie on your back with legs bent at the knees. When inhaling, you should inflate the stomach, holding your breath, and retract it when you exhale.
2. Take the previous starting position. When inhaling, raise the elongated leg vertically upward, while exhaling, lower it.
3. Lie on your back and raise your legs, keeping your knees together. Inhale and part the limbs, and exhale cross them.
4. Lie on your back and put a roller under the lower back (you can use a pillow). On inspiration - bend your right leg, on exhale - lower it. Repeat the exercise with the left foot.
5. Lie on your back, place your hands along the torso, bend your legs at the knees (feet should be on the floor), alternately lift either the left or right leg.
6. In the prone position, bend the lower limbs at the knees, place the ball between them and squeeze it for several seconds, repeating 4-5 times.
When performed correctly, such gymnastics with the prolapse of the kidney gives a good therapeutic effect.
Surgical therapy
It is indicated for severe pain that leads to disability, chronic pyelonephritis with frequent exacerbations, as well as a significant loss of kidney function. Surgical treatment of kidney prolapse is also used for orthostatic hypertension, hydronephrosis, and bleeding.
If nephroptosis is accompanied by a pronounced inflammatory process in the kidneys, antibiotic therapy is first performed. A few days before the operation, patients should sleep with their legs raised. This helps to return the lowered kidney to its normal position and facilitates surgical intervention.
The essence of surgical treatment is to fix the kidneys to the muscles of the abdominal wall. It should be noted that there are several operational methods if kidney prolapse is diagnosed. The causes of this pathology, the features of its course and the presence of certain complications affect the method by which the surgeon will conduct the surgical intervention.
Alternative methods of treating nephroptosis
Traditional medicine methods can only prevent the progression of the disease and reduce the manifestations of pain. They cannot return the affected organ to its previous state.
The prolapse of the kidney develops. What to do? You should first consult your doctor. He will determine the most optimal therapeutic tactics and the possibility of using one or another popular method of treatment.
As a rule, to improve the function of affected kidneys, it is recommended to flush flax seeds with water, sprinkle them with icing sugar and fry in a dry frying pan, after which take 1 tsp three times a day, chewing well. You can also brew stems of cochia broom and take the resulting liquid before eating. The positive effect of nephroptosis is given by the use of infusion from knotweed, rosehip leaves and Echinacea flowers for a month, as well as bathing in a decoction of straw and oats.
If the patient's condition does not improve, therapeutic tactics should be changed.
Nephroptosis Prevention
Treating kidney prolapse is much more difficult than preventing it:
• from childhood, it is necessary to monitor posture and prevent spinal deformities;
• If it is necessary to carry the load, then it should be evenly distributed on two hands.
• With an asthenic type of structure, strength exercises are contraindicated.
• Excessive physical exertion, forced body position, prolonged standing or sitting, and exposure to vibration should be avoided.
• During pregnancy, you must wear a prenatal bandage.
• You can not bring yourself to asthenia exhausting diets.
• Protect yourself from injuries, especially in the lower back.
• It is necessary to strengthen the abdominal muscles. To do this, exercise regularly .
• If you experience any unpleasant sensations or pulling back pain, you should immediately consult a doctor, pass the appropriate tests or undergo the necessary instrumental examinations. It is worth remembering that self-medication can lead to a number of serious kidney diseases or even to the loss of an affected organ.