Understanding Renal Ultrasounds

The kidneys are powerful organs that are essential to your health. When something goes wrong, a renal ultrasound, also known as a kidney ultrasound, is a vital tool in detecting and diagnosing diseases and other kidney-related problems. You probably already know that one of the primary functions of the kidneys is to filter waste and excess fluids from your body. Not only do they help balance blood pressure, strengthen bones, and produce red blood cells, but they also help regulate materials that pass through them, including water, salts, and minerals. Without these essential processes, your body cannot function properly.

What Are the Signs of Kidney Disease?

When any of your kidney functions are not adequately performing, many parts of your body are affected. It’s crucial to determine the problem as soon as possible to help prevent further damage to your body.

Here are some signs that something may not be right:

• Feeling more tired than usual and having trouble concentrating
• Sleep disturbances
• Frequent need to urinate
• Dry, itchy skin
• Blood in the urine or foamy urine
• Swollen feet and ankles
• Puffy eyes
• Lack of appetite
• Muscle cramps

Symptoms of kidney stones:

• Painful urination and/or blood in urine
• Nausea and vomiting
• Stabbing pain in your back or abdomen

How Does a Renal Ultrasound Work?

An ultrasound produces images by emitting sound waves, which are created when electrical energy is applied to crystal materials inside a probe called a transducer. The sound waves are reflected from various tissues back to the transducer, and a connected computer translates them into an image called a sonogram. If you have concerning symptoms, your doctor will often recommend a renal ultrasound, which creates images of both your kidneys and your bladder. The doctor will look for:

• Abnormalities in the size or shape of your kidneys
• Blockages or kidney stones
• Blood flow
• Cysts or tumors
• Signs of injury or infection

How Do I Prepare for a Renal Ultrasound?

Your doctor may instruct you to drink 24 ounces of water before the test, as well as to refrain from eating or drinking anything else for several hours beforehand. During the test, an ultrasound technician will spread a warm gel on your skin over the kidneys. They will then use a small probe to take images created by sound waves. You might need to hold your breath at times or roll on your side. The test is painless and takes 20–30 minutes. In most cases, your doctor will receive the results within a couple of days and will then decide the appropriate next steps. Learn more about ultrasound services at American Health Imaging.