What does it mean when the kidneys become smaller?

A smaller kidney generally indicates the possibility of renal atrophy, which may be caused by conditions such as renal artery stenosis, hydronephrosis, renal cysts, pyelonephritis, or glomerulonephritis. Patients should promptly visit a hospital for evaluation and receive targeted treatment based on the underlying cause. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Renal Artery Stenosis

If renal artery stenosis is present, blood flow to the kidney may decrease or become interrupted, significantly reducing the kidney's blood supply, which can lead to a reduction in kidney size.

2. Hydronephrosis

In cases of hydronephrosis, obstruction of urine outflow may occur, potentially leading to kidney atrophy.

3. Renal Cysts

If a renal cyst is large, it may compress the kidney tissue, eventually causing a reduction in kidney volume.

4. Pyelonephritis

Pyelonephritis is an infection caused by pathogenic microorganisms invading the renal pelvis and kidney parenchyma. It may damage normal kidney tissue, resulting in a smaller kidney size.

5. Glomerulonephritis

If a patient has low immunity, bacterial infection may affect the kidneys and trigger glomerulonephritis, leading to kidney damage and a reduction in kidney size.

Patients are advised to rest adequately, maintain emotional stability, and avoid excessive fatigue. If any discomfort occurs, prompt medical consultation is recommended to establish a clear diagnosis and initiate appropriate treatment, which will aid in recovery.