Pain in the Kidney (Kidney Pain) | Cause, diagnosis, symptoms and treatment

Pain in the kidneys? Here you can learn more about kidney pain, as well as associated symptoms, cause and various diagnoses. Kidney pain should always be taken seriously. Follow and like us too Our Facebook page for free, daily health updates.

Humans have two kidneys. The main function of the kidneys is to get rid of unnecessary fluid and waste products. The kidneys are located to the posterior part of the lumbar spine on each side - that is, one kidney on the left and one on the right side. Some of the most common causes of kidney pain are urinary tract infections and kidney stones, but there are a number of other possible diagnoses.

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Symptoms of kidney pain

Kidney pain can often cause quite distinctive symptoms, but it can sometimes be difficult to distinguish from common back pain. It is therefore important to know the following symptoms in order to diagnose that the kidneys are causing you the pain you are experiencing:

Fever
Nausea
Vomit
Pain when urinating
malaise
Pains in the flanks of the lower back

The pain of kidney pain can hit the left side, right side or both sides at the same time And such flank pain is often described as aching or sharp pain extending from the area of the lower rib and down towards the seat region. Depending on what is the actual cause of the pain, you can experience different types of pain radiation (radiation) - which can go down to the groin, towards the abdomen or down the lower back flanks.

Other symptoms that may also occur are:

Blood in the urine
Chills in the body
Stool problems
Dizziness
Exhaustion
Rash

If you have significant kidney problems you may also experience:

Bad breath (the waste material accumulates in the body and is released by breathing instead of kidney function)
Metal taste in the mouth
Breathing Problems

Cause and diagnosis: Why did I have kidney pain?

Kidney pain may be due to kidney disease or urinary or bladder disease. As mentioned, the most common diagnoses are:

Kidney stones
Urinary infection

Especially pain that occurs suddenly and which is experienced as sharp waves that shoot through the back is often caused by kidney stones.

Other diagnoses that may affect the kidneys are:

Blood clot in the kidneys
Glomerulonephritis (inflammation of the kidney's small blood vessels)
Medication overuse / poisoning (regular exposure to toxins or chronic use of certain medications can lead to kidney damage)
kidney infection
Kidney Cancer
Polycystic kidney disease

There are also other diagnoses that can cause pain similar to kidney pain, but which are not due to the kidneys. For example:

Abdominal aortic aneurysm
Gynecological problems and diagnoses
shingles
Lung disease
Muscle pain in the back
Neuralgia
rib Pain

What is the function of the kidneys?

The kidneys are two organs that are responsible for removing waste and fluid retention. They also produce hormones that help regulate blood pressure, produce red blood cells, regulate acid and affect calcium, sodium, potassium and other electrolytes.

This means that they have a direct effect on the body's content of salt and electrolytes - which are vital for the body to function properly.

Where are the kidneys?

The kidneys look almost like beans in shape and are 11 cm x 7 cm x 3 cm large. They are positioned in front of the back muscles in the upper part of the abdominal region - and one of them is on the left side and the other on the right. It is worth noting that the right kidney is slightly lower than the left due to the liver.

Also read: - Roller coaster can remove Kidney Stone

When can kidney pain be dangerous?

If you experience kidney pain, we strongly encourage you to contact your GP soon for an examination and possible treatment. Especially if the pain has occurred suddenly and acutely, it is extra important that you do not wait - but that you rather consult a doctor.

Typical signals that you should look for are:

Blood in the urine
Swelling of the hands and feet, as well as swelling around the eyes
Frequent urination
High blood pressure
Painful urination

If a person has also been diagnosed with diabetes then it is extra important to remember that this can cause kidney problems (even kidney failure) if you do not take proper steps in regards to diet and taking care of oneself.

How is kidney pain diagnosed?

The clinician will make a diagnosis based on prehistory, physical examination and laboratory tests, Normally, you start with an extended blood test, check of kidney function (including measurement of creatine) and urine test.

If you suspect kidney stones, you will in many cases perform a CT examination or diagnostic ultrasound. Because the latter does not cause radiation, it is recommended.

Also read: Common Heartburn Medication Can Cause Serious Kidney Damage!

Treatment: How is kidney pain treated?

The treatment is, of course, dependent on the diagnosis or the cause behind the pain.

Nephritis: Kidney inflammation is treated with anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (ibux).

Kidney Infection: For urinary tract infections and pyelonephritis, antibiotics are often used to overcome the problem.

Kidney stones: In certain cases, with smaller kidney stones (up to 5-6 mm in diameter), the affected person can excrete the stone when urinating. Which results in immediate improvement. In the case of larger kidney stones, sound waves (ultrasound) or pressure waves can be used to crush the stone - but in some cases this is not enough and then surgical intervention (surgery) may be necessary.

Also read: What You Should Know About Pressure Wave Treatment

Summarizeringing

The kidneys have vital functions, so it is important that you take good care of them. Overuse of alcohol and drugs can cause permanent damage to these organs and thus impair kidney function. Poor diet consisting of high-fat and high-sugar foods can also damage the kidneys over time.

Do you have questions about the article or do you need more tips? Ask us directly via our facebook page or via the comment box below.

Recommended self help

Reusable Gel Combination Gasket (Heat and Cold Gasket): Heat can increase blood circulation to tight and sore muscles - but in other situations, with more acute pain, cooling is recommended, as it reduces the transmission of pain signals.

Because various kidney diagnoses can also cause back pain, we recommend these.

Read more here (opens in new window): Reusable Gel Combination Gasket (Heat & Cold Gasket)

NEXT PAGE: - This is how you can know if you have a blood clot

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Frequently asked questions about kidney pain

What are the best things to drink for my kidneys?

- According to recent research, it is recommended to drink cranberry juice (good for both the urinary tract and kidneys), citrus juice (lime and lemon juice) and water. There are also indications that wine, in moderate doses, is good for your kidney health.

What does kidney pain feel like?

- Kidney pain is often described as an aching pain high up on the back of the lower back. It may be due to a number of possible diagnoses, but the most common cause is kidney stones.

Which side can the kidneys feel? Left or right?

- We have two kidneys, one on the left side and one on the right side. This means that pain in the kidneys can occur on both the left or right side - and even on both sides at the same time in certain cases. Normally, the pain will only be on one side (but it is often bad enough).