What is Kidney Pain?

Kidney pain is felt as discomfort in the area surrounding the kidneys. The kidneys are located on both sides of the back, just beneath the ribs.

Kidney pain is felt in the area surrounding the kidneys. The kidneys are situated on both sides of the back, just below the ribs. Because of this, kidney pain is often confused with back pain. However, it is possible to distinguish kidney pain from back pain. Kidney pain can radiate not only to the back but also to the sides of the body, lower abdomen, and groin. Another distinguishing feature between these two types of pain is that back pain is typically felt in the lower back, while kidney pain is deeper, under the ribs. Not all pains that resemble kidney pain are necessarily related to the kidneys. Additionally, pain indicating kidney problems may be accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, vomiting, or painful urination.

If you suspect you have kidney pain, you may want to consider consulting a nearby healthcare facility.

What Are the Symptoms of Kidney Pain?

Kidney pain can manifest in different ways depending on the underlying kidney condition. However, in general, the symptoms of kidney pain can include:

• A constant, dull pain
• Pain felt under the rib cage or in the abdominal region
• A side pain that usually occurs on one side, but can sometimes be felt on both sides
• Sharp or intense pain that comes in waves
• Pain that can radiate to the groin or abdominal area

Other symptoms that may accompany kidney pain include:

• Fever
• Vomiting
• Painful urination
• Cloudy urine
• Blood in the urine

The kidneys are responsible for the formation of urine, and urine is transported through the ureters, stored in the bladder, and excreted. The kidneys are a part of this complex excretory system, and therefore, pain in the kidneys may indicate a problem within this system. To determine whether there is an issue, the cause of the kidney pain should first be investigated. Kidney pain can arise for many reasons, and depending on the cause, the pain may vary in nature, with different symptoms possibly accompanying it. For example:

• Kidney Stones: Sudden, sharp pain in the kidney area may indicate kidney stones. Kidney stones are mineral deposits that can block the ureters, which are responsible for transporting urine. The pain may come in waves as the stone tries to pass out of the body, and it can also radiate to the groin and be felt sharply in the back and sides.
• Kidney Infection: This type of infection, called pyelonephritis, can affect both kidneys, but it is usually seen in one kidney. It causes pain under the ribs in the back and sides and may also be accompanied by fever and urinary tract infections.
• Hydronephrosis: This condition involves the enlargement or swelling of the kidneys, often caused by an obstruction in the urinary tract. The resulting damage from urine accumulation in the kidneys may affect one or both kidneys.
• Kidney Cysts: Kidney cysts may not show symptoms until they reach a certain size. Once large enough, they can cause mild pain in the back, sides, and upper abdomen.
• Polycystic Kidney Disease: This genetic condition causes cysts to form in the kidneys, leading to side and back pain.
• Kidney Cancer: In the early stages, kidney cancer may not cause pain, but as it progresses, persistent, dull pain may be felt in the side, back, or abdominal area.
• Benign Kidney Tumors: Not all kidney masses are cancerous. Benign kidney tumors can cause pain in the sides, between the ribs, or in the hip area, and may also result in a feeling of lower back pain on one side of the body.
• Renal Vein Thrombosis: This condition occurs when a blood clot forms in one of the renal veins, causing intermittent spasms and severe pain in the sides. Pain may also be felt around the affected kidney.
• Kidney Trauma: Severe sports activities or accidents can lead to kidney injuries, increasing the risk of kidney damage.

There are many potential issues that can lead to kidney pain. The way these problems manifest can vary depending on factors such as age and overall health. Therefore, in situations where the cause is unclear, it is likely better to consult a healthcare specialist. Symptoms such as fever, body aches, and fatigue should not be ignored. Additionally, if you have frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs), this could indicate an underlying excretory system problem. You may consider consulting your doctor.

How is Kidney Pain Diagnosed?

The diagnosis of the medical condition causing kidney pain can only be made by a doctor. At the healthcare facility you visit, your medical history will first be taken to determine whether you have kidney pain. Afterward, a physical examination will be conducted to form some preliminary diagnoses. To reach an accurate diagnosis, the following tests may be requested:

• Blood test
• Urine test
• Ultrasound imaging
• Computed Tomography (CT) scan

If you have previously been diagnosed with kidney stones, your doctor may avoid using a CT scan due to its radiation exposure. It might be helpful to consult with your doctor to determine which tests are the most appropriate for diagnosis.

Kidney Pain Treatment Methods

Treating kidney pain alone is not generally recommended. Kidney pain almost always indicates an underlying issue, so relieving the pain can only be achieved by addressing the root cause. You may be tempted to use quick solutions like painkillers, but taking medication without consulting your doctor about kidney pain may not be healthy.

To treat kidney pain, the underlying disease must be treated. This involves making a diagnosis, applying disease-specific treatments, and following up with the patient. However, kidney pain can often be avoided by maintaining good kidney health before any issues arise. Here are some things to keep in mind for maintaining kidney health:

• Drinking plenty of water is highly beneficial for kidney health.
• Beverages with high sugar content can lead to diabetes, which damages the kidneys.
• Excessive salt intake or drinking beverages with high caffeine content can cause dehydration, which may lead to long-term kidney damage.
• Protecting against kidney infections will also prevent pain from occurring in the kidneys.

To prevent kidney infections, the first step is to maintain kidney health and focus on cleaning external genital areas in the excretory system. Going to the bathroom when needed will prevent unnecessary strain on the kidneys. Cleaning from front to back in the toilet is a healthy hygiene habit. Paying attention to genital hygiene and using the toilet after sex is important for maintaining urinary tract health and, in the long term, kidney health. According to some studies, if you suffer from constipation, treating it promptly can also prevent urinary tract infections.

The kidneys are among the most important organs in the excretory system, as they help remove harmful substances from the body. Therefore, maintaining the health of the kidneys and the excretory system is crucial for the overall health of the body. If you are suffering from kidney pain, you may consider consulting the nearest healthcare facility.