Symptoms:

• Abnormal urine flow -- dribbling at the end of urination
• Blood in the urine
• Burning or stinging with urination
• Decrease in the force of the urinary stream, stream small and weak
• Decreased urine output (may be less than 10 mL per day)
• Feeling of incomplete emptying of the bladder
• Fever
• Frequent strong urge to urinate
• Recent increase in blood pressure
• Leakage of urine (incontinence)
• Nausea and vomiting
• Need to urinate at night
• Sudden flank pain or pain on both sides
• Urinary hesitancy
• Urine, abnormal color

Signs and tests:

The doctor will perform a physical exam. The exam may show:

• Large and full bladder
• Swollen or tender kidneys
• Enlarged prostate (men)

There may be signs of chronic kidney failure, high blood pressure, and infection. Fever is common with an infection.

Tests that may be done include:

• Arterial blood gas and blood chemistries
• Basic metabolic panel -- will reveal kidney function and electrolyte balance
• Blood BUN
• Creatinine clearance
• Complete blood count
• Potassium test
• Serum creatinine test
• Urinalysis and a urine culture (clean catch)
• Ultrasound of the bladder
• Uroflowmetry

The following tests may show hydronephrosis (swelling of kidneys):

• IVP
• Renal scan
• Ultrasound of the kidneys
• Abdominal CT scan

This disease may also alter the results of the following tests:

• Creatinine - urine
• Radionuclide cystogram