Enlarged kidneys are related to specific disorders caused by structural abnormalities, infection, birth defects, injury, blockage and pregnancy. Although enlarged kidneys are uncommon, they can be felt during physical examinations, usually when the patient is a child, infant or thin adult, explains Merck Manuals Online Medical Library. Enlarged kidneys occur due to inflammation, birth defects or the continuous presence of abnormal tissue, such as a cyst or cancer.
Polycystic Kidney Disease
Polycystic kidney disease is a condition characterized by fluid-filled cysts within the kidney and other parts of the body. According to MayoClinic.com, complications of polycystic kidney disease include kidney enlargement, kidney failure and high blood pressure due to loss of functions, such as the ability to produce urine and maintain normal levels of fluids and electrolytes in the body. Treatment of the disease includes managing the symptoms and complications such as kidney enlargement, hypertension, pain, liver cysts, aneurysms and urinary tract infections.
Hydronephrosis
Hydronephrosis occurs when the kidneys enlarge due to the blockage of urine leaving the kidneys. Merck Manuals Online Medical Library states that hydronephrosis can be caused by a blood clot, kidney stone, prostate enlargement, infection, injury, fecal impaction, tumor, pregnancy or radiation. The main symptom of hydronephrosis is excruciating pain within the flanks or abdominal area. Chronic hydronephrosis may have few or even no symptoms or recurring pain. Treatment involves medication or surgery to relieve the blockage and allow the kidney enlargement to subside.
Pyelonephritis
Pyelonephritis is a kidney infection that results from bladder or blood infections that spread to the kidneys. Symptoms and signs may include enlarged kidneys, chills, back tenderness, fever, cloudy urine, frequent and painful urination, bladder spasms and cloudy urine, according to MedlinePlus. Antibiotics are typically used to treat the infection and reduce kidney enlargement. Pregnant women, others with a suppressed immune systems and diabetics are at higher risk of pyelonephritis.
