Kidney pain refers to the discomfort originating from the area where the kidneys are located. The most common kidney pain area is under your ribs. It can also occur in the abdomen, back, or groin. At times the pain can also spread to your lower abdomen or inner thighs.
Kidney pain can range from a dull, throbbing ache to a sharp ache. Other kidney pain symptoms may also involve fever, nausea, cloudy or dark urine, muscle spasms, and pain while urinating. You may also encounter associated bladder infections or small stones in your urine. Kidney pain can only improve if the problem is corrected, such as using medication to resolve infection, passing a kidney stone, or getting other treatments.
This blog sheds light on the problem of kidney pain, with its various causes, treatment methods, and more. Read till the end to get insights on how to tackle this health issue.
Kidney Pain Reasons
The kidneys are connected to the bladder through ureters. Problems with any of the two can result in kidney pain. The following points discuss some of the common kidney pain reasons:
- Kidney Stones
Renal calculi or kidney stones refer to solid masses of crystals that develop along your urinary tract. It can cause severe kidney pain, accompanied by vomiting, nausea, frequent urge to urinate, and traces of blood in urine. Kidney stones are more likely to affect people between the ages of 20 and 50.
- Kidney Infection
It is a form of urinary tract infection that generally moves from the bladder to either one or both of the kidneys. Bacterial infection is the most common cause of kidney infections. Symptoms of kidney infection may include lower back pain, bloody or cloudy urine, and a frequent need to urinate. People with HIV and diabetes are more at risk for such infections.
- Polycystic Kidney Disease
This is a genetic disorder that leads to the development of multiple cysts in the kidneys. This can result in enlargement of kidneys, leading to severe damage. Polycystic kidney disease can cause chronic pain in the back or sides. It can also result in kidney failure, along with other complications like high blood pressure, preeclampsia, brain aneurysms, and kidney stones.
- Injury
Kidney pain can also result from physical injury or trauma to the kidneys. Collision from contact sports, accidents, or trauma caused by a blunt force can cause such injuries. This can lead to leakage of urine from the kidneys. One may also experience blood in the urine or bleeding in the kidneys.
- Kidney Cancer
Kidney cancer results from the development of abnormal cells in the kidneys which may spread to other parts of the body. As the cancer progresses, it can lead to symptoms like persistent back pain, anaemia, fatigue, sudden weight gain or weight loss, and a lump on your sides or lower back. Kidney cancer can result from obesity, hypertension, or chronic illnesses like chronic kidney disease.
- Urinary Retention
It refers to a condition where the bladder doesn’t empty when you urinate. Urinary retention can be caused by a potential blockage, infection, or swelling in the urinary tract. It can also result from nerve issues and side effects caused by various medications.
Kidney Pain Treatment
To begin with the appropriate kidney pain treatment, one may need to run a few tests to find the root cause. These tests may include urine tests along with an ultrasound or CT scan. There are distinct treatments for kidney pain causes. Following are some of the recognised treatments:
- Antibiotics: To treat kidney pain caused by infections, antibiotics are the first line of treatment. Symptoms of kidney infection may disappear within a few days of treatment. One may be required to undergo repeated urine culture tests to ensure the infection has cleared up.
- Blood pressure medications: Polycystic kidney diseases can cause high blood pressure, which may increase the severity of kidney pain. The medication would help to lower blood pressure, subsequently slowing down the spread of disease.
- Immunotherapy drugs: Immunotherapy drugs are used to treat kidney cancer by helping the body’s immune system fight off abnormal cells. Depending on the situation, the doctor may recommend these drugs as either first-line or second-line treatment. Immunotherapy drugs may involve side effects, including skin rashes, fatigue, nausea, and liver abnormalities.
- Surgery: Small kidney stones can be effectively removed by urinating. Larger kidney stones cannot be passed naturally. As a result, they are removed from the body via surgeries. There are different types of surgeries performed in the case of kidney stones, the most common involving shockwave lithotripsy, ureteroscopy, and percutaneous nephrolithotomy.
Conclusion
Kidney pain involves a variety of conditions that can be eliminated with the appropriate medication or treatment method. Kidney pain can be eased by applying heating pads to the affected area. Over-the-counter kidney pain relievers include ibuprofen and acetaminophen. Avoid drinks that have high sugar content, including caffeinated and fizzy drinks.
