Do Kidneys Shrink? Why

Do kidneys shrink? And why kidneys will shrink? Yes they do shrink because of several factors. Here we will tell you the detailed information and hope you can get the information you want.

What is kidney shrinkage?

Kidney shrinkage, also called kidney atrophy, is a term used when the size of kidney becomes small due to any kidney disease or due to non functioning kidney. An atrophic kidney is very small in size. It may be caused by impairment of blood supply to the kidney or damage to the functioning units nephrons. This is how kidney shrinkage occurs.

What causes shrinkage of kidney?

1. long time kidney infections such as pyelonephritis, polycystic kidney disease, and other chronic kidney diseases that can affect the nephrons.

2. renal ischemia; it is caused when there is less circulation of blood to the kidneys. Inadequate circulation of blood may carry less oxygen to the kidney. That may affect the kidney function and cause atrophy. Atherosclerosis of renal artery can be the reason of ischemia. High blood pressure and diabetes are two leading causes of damaging renal artery.

3. reflux nephropathy

4. blockage of renal artery as a result of blood clot

5. damage to the renal parenchyma as a result of obstruction in the urinary system

6. compression of blood vessels as a result of renal cyst

What is the treatment for kidney atrophy?

Lifestyle changes can help to reduce the chances of kidney atrophy. If a person is suffering from kidney disease, he should stop alcohol consumption. If you are suffering from renal failure, you should pay attention to the intake of fluid and water and also you should consume less amount of salt. Do not take any medication without consulting your doctor.

The medical treatment for kidney shrinkage depends on what the reason is. If urinary tract infection is responsible for kidney atrophy, medications can be used to alleviate the symptoms. However, if you suffer from kidney failure, you can rely on dialysis, kidney transplant and immunotherapy. When your kidneys are completely non functional, it is time to remove the non functional kidney. However, if the kidneys work at it minimal, it is time to revitalize kidney function. Chinese medicines like Micro-Chinese Medicine Osmotherapy, Mai Kang Mixture, Medicated full bath and foot bath therapy are effective in repairing kidney damage and improve kidney function. This helps prevent or delay dialysis and kidney transplant.