&lt;h1&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #ff99cc;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Ureteral Obstruction (Blocked Ureter): Symptoms, Causes &amp;amp; Treatment&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h1&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p data-path-to-node=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;A ureteral obstruction occurs when there is a blockage in one or both of the &lt;strong data-path-to-node=&quot;1&quot; data-index-in-node=&quot;77&quot;&gt;ureters&lt;/strong&gt;&amp;mdash;the essential tubes that transport urine from the kidneys down to the bladder. While this condition is highly treatable and can be fully cured, timely medical intervention is critical.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p data-path-to-node=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;If left untreated, symptoms can progress rapidly from mild discomfort to life-threatening complications. These may include:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li data-path-to-node=&quot;3,0,0&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong data-path-to-node=&quot;3,0,0&quot; data-index-in-node=&quot;0&quot;&gt;Early Stages:&lt;/strong&gt; Pain, fever, and localized infections.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li data-path-to-node=&quot;3,1,0&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong data-path-to-node=&quot;3,1,0&quot; data-index-in-node=&quot;0&quot;&gt;Severe Stages:&lt;/strong&gt; Loss of kidney function, sepsis (a systemic response to infection), and potential fatality.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p data-path-to-node=&quot;4&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Because ureteral obstruction is a relatively common and manageable condition, severe complications are generally rare when the blockage is addressed promptly by a healthcare professional.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p data-path-to-node=&quot;4&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #ff99cc;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Ureteral Obstruction Symptoms&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p data-path-to-node=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;A ureteral obstruction may not always present obvious signs. Whether or not you experience symptoms&amp;mdash;and how intense they are&amp;mdash;depends on several factors: the location of the blockage, whether it is partial or complete, how rapidly it developed, and whether one or both kidneys are involved.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p data-path-to-node=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;When symptoms do occur, they commonly include:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li data-path-to-node=&quot;3,0,0&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong data-path-to-node=&quot;3,0,0&quot; data-index-in-node=&quot;0&quot;&gt;Pain:&lt;/strong&gt; This is often felt in the side (flank) or back.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li data-path-to-node=&quot;3,1,0&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong data-path-to-node=&quot;3,1,0&quot; data-index-in-node=&quot;0&quot;&gt;Changes in Urination:&lt;/strong&gt; You may notice a decrease or increase in your total urine output, or find it difficult to urinate.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li data-path-to-node=&quot;3,2,0&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong data-path-to-node=&quot;3,2,0&quot; data-index-in-node=&quot;0&quot;&gt;Hematuria:&lt;/strong&gt; The presence of blood in the urine, which may appear pink, red, or tea-colored.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li data-path-to-node=&quot;3,3,0&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong data-path-to-node=&quot;3,3,0&quot; data-index-in-node=&quot;0&quot;&gt;Persistent Infections:&lt;/strong&gt; Recurring urinary tract infections (UTIs) can be a sign of a blockage.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li data-path-to-node=&quot;3,4,0&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong data-path-to-node=&quot;3,4,0&quot; data-index-in-node=&quot;0&quot;&gt;Hypertension:&lt;/strong&gt; New or worsening high blood pressure.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #ff99cc;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Ureteral Obstruction Causes&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p data-path-to-node=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Ureteral obstructions can stem from a variety of factors. Some are present from birth (&lt;strong data-path-to-node=&quot;1&quot; data-index-in-node=&quot;87&quot;&gt;congenital&lt;/strong&gt;), while others develop later in life due to injury, illness, or lifestyle factors.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h4 data-path-to-node=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #ff99cc;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Congenital and Developmental Causes&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h4&gt;
&lt;p data-path-to-node=&quot;3&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;These conditions typically relate to how the urinary tract formed during development:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li data-path-to-node=&quot;4,0,0&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong data-path-to-node=&quot;4,0,0&quot; data-index-in-node=&quot;0&quot;&gt;Duplicated Ureter:&lt;/strong&gt; A common congenital condition where two ureters form for a single kidney. If one or both of these tubes fail to function correctly, urine can back up and potentially damage the kidney.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li data-path-to-node=&quot;4,1,0&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong data-path-to-node=&quot;4,1,0&quot; data-index-in-node=&quot;0&quot;&gt;Ureteropelvic Junction (UPJ) Obstruction:&lt;/strong&gt; A blockage where the ureter meets the kidney. This can cause the kidney to swell (&lt;strong data-path-to-node=&quot;4,1,0&quot; data-index-in-node=&quot;124&quot;&gt;hydronephrosis&lt;/strong&gt;) and may eventually lead to organ failure. While often congenital, it can also result from childhood growth, scarring, or rare tumors.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li data-path-to-node=&quot;4,2,0&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong data-path-to-node=&quot;4,2,0&quot; data-index-in-node=&quot;0&quot;&gt;Ureterovesical Junction (UVJ) Obstruction:&lt;/strong&gt; A blockage where the ureter connects to the bladder, which can also cause urine to reflux or back up into the kidneys.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li data-path-to-node=&quot;4,3,0&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong data-path-to-node=&quot;4,3,0&quot; data-index-in-node=&quot;0&quot;&gt;Ureterocele:&lt;/strong&gt; If a ureter is abnormally narrow, a tiny bulge or &quot;ballooning&quot; may develop, usually in the section closest to the bladder. This bulge can obstruct urine flow and lead to kidney complications.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;h4 data-path-to-node=&quot;5&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #ff99cc;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Rare Disorders&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h4&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li data-path-to-node=&quot;6,0,0&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong data-path-to-node=&quot;6,0,0&quot; data-index-in-node=&quot;0&quot;&gt;Retroperitoneal Fibrosis:&lt;/strong&gt; This rare condition involves the growth of excess fibrous tissue in the area behind the abdomen. These fibers can encircle and compress the ureters. This may be triggered by certain migraine medications or the presence of cancerous tumors.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;h4 data-path-to-node=&quot;7&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #ff99cc;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Other Internal and External Causes&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h4&gt;
&lt;p data-path-to-node=&quot;8&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Obstructions can also be caused by factors either inside (&lt;strong data-path-to-node=&quot;8&quot; data-index-in-node=&quot;58&quot;&gt;intrinsic&lt;/strong&gt;) or outside (&lt;strong data-path-to-node=&quot;8&quot; data-index-in-node=&quot;81&quot;&gt;extrinsic&lt;/strong&gt;) the ureter:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li data-path-to-node=&quot;9,0,0&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong data-path-to-node=&quot;9,0,0&quot; data-index-in-node=&quot;0&quot;&gt;Kidney Stones:&lt;/strong&gt; Hard mineral deposits that can physically block the tube.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li data-path-to-node=&quot;9,1,0&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong data-path-to-node=&quot;9,1,0&quot; data-index-in-node=&quot;0&quot;&gt;Tumors:&lt;/strong&gt; Both cancerous and noncancerous growths.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li data-path-to-node=&quot;9,2,0&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong data-path-to-node=&quot;9,2,0&quot; data-index-in-node=&quot;0&quot;&gt;Blood Clots:&lt;/strong&gt; Which can lodge within the ureter.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li data-path-to-node=&quot;9,3,0&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong data-path-to-node=&quot;9,3,0&quot; data-index-in-node=&quot;0&quot;&gt;Enlarged Lymph Nodes:&lt;/strong&gt; Which may press against the ureter from the outside.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li data-path-to-node=&quot;9,4,0&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong data-path-to-node=&quot;9,4,0&quot; data-index-in-node=&quot;0&quot;&gt;Internal Tissue Growth:&lt;/strong&gt; Such as endometriosis in females.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li data-path-to-node=&quot;9,5,0&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong data-path-to-node=&quot;9,5,0&quot; data-index-in-node=&quot;0&quot;&gt;Chronic Inflammation:&lt;/strong&gt; Long-term swelling of the ureter wall caused by diseases like tuberculosis or certain parasitic infections.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #ff99cc;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;When to See a Doctor&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Make an appointment with your health care provider if you have signs and symptoms that worry you.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Seek medical attention if you experience:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Pain so severe that you can&#39;t sit still or find a comfortable position.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Pain accompanied by nausea and vomiting.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Pain accompanied by fever and chills.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Blood in your urine.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Difficulty passing urine.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #ff99cc;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Risk Factors&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Certain conditions present at birth can increase the risk of having ureteral obstruction. Having kidney stones or bladder stones also might increase the risk that one of the ureters becomes blocked. Blood clots, tumors, certain tissue growth, and enlarged lymph nodes might also be factors in developing this condition.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #ff99cc;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Complications&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Ureteral obstruction can lead to urinary tract infections and kidney damage, which can be irreversible.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

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