Symptoms:

Symptoms depend on the nature of the obstruction and where in the urinary tract the obstruction occurs.

Some of the most common symptoms of chronic obstructive uropathy include:

• Stronger and more frequent urge to urinate
• Difficulty initiating the flow of urine (urinary hesitancy)
• Dribbling of urine, incontinence
• Decreased urine output
• Decrease in the force of the urinary stream
• Increased need to urinate at night
• Burning or stinging with urination
• Feeling of incomplete emptying of the bladder
• Alternating times of increased urine output and decreased urine output
• Fever and chills (if there is also a urinary tract infection)

Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease:

• Nail problems
• High blood pressure
• Abnormal urine color

Signs and tests:

A physical exam may show swollen or tender kidneys. The bladder may be large and full. A rectal examination may reveal an enlarged prostate. Blood pressure may be high.

Blood tests will be done to check kidney function, electrolyte balance, and blood cell counts. Urine tests may reveal a urinary tract infection.

Other tests that may be done:

• Abdominal ultrasound
• Bladder scan
• CT scan of abdomen and pelvis
• Kidney scan
• Uroflowmetry