Renal Agenesis: One Affected Kidney and a Normal Life
Renal agenesis, also known as unilateral dysplasia, refers to the condition where an individual is born with one affected kidney and one functioning kidney. Surprisingly, children with renal agenesis can lead completely normal lives without experiencing any symptoms, similar to individuals who have voluntarily donated a kidney. In this case, the healthy kidney compensates for the dysfunctional one, assuming all necessary functions.
It is worth noting that both doctors and patients may remain unaware of the dysfunctional kidney until a diagnosis or treatment for an unrelated health concern brings it to light.
Symptoms of Kidney Dysplasia
Kidney dysplasia is a condition that can affect newborn babies, and there are several symptoms to be aware of. One of the most common signs is an enlarged kidney, which can be detected through medical testing. It’s important to note that kidney dysplasia can also increase the risk of urinary tract infections and other related problems. These infections and structural abnormalities must be closely monitored and promptly treated to prevent any potential damage to the healthy kidney.
In rare cases, individuals with kidney dysplasia may experience high blood pressure or even develop kidney cancer. However, it’s important to remember that these symptoms are not as common as an enlarged kidney. Another symptom that should not be ignored is the presence of blood and protein in the urine, which requires medical evaluation in order to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.