Dorothy FarrarKidney pain
Kidney pain is pain that occurs in the area of the kidneys and renal pelvis. In most cases, these symptoms can indicate diseases of the renal pelvis area. Women suffer from kidney pain caused by inflammation far more often than men. Because pain is not always localized, kidney pain is often confused with back pain.
What is kidney pain?
Kidney pain refers to painful symptoms in the area of the kidneys. The pain is mainly felt on the left and right of the lower section of the spine in the area of the flanks (flank pain) up to the groin area. Kidney pain is often mistaken for back pain.
In contrast to back pain, kidney pain does not usually restrict freedom of movement and is also less dependent on movement. Kidney pain, unlike back pain, is usually not constant, but painful phases alternate with phases without pain.
causes
Kidney pain can have various causes: Kidney pain is often caused by inflammation of the kidney or renal pelvis. Such inflammations can be caused, for example, by infections caused by urinary stones.These urinary stones can lodge in the kidneys or ureters and impede the healthy flow of urine, which then causes kidney pain. Accompanying symptoms of the kidney pain caused in this way can be, for example, exhaustion , loss of appetite or fever.
This kidney pain is often localized in the lateral abdominal region. In addition to kidney pain, inflammation of the kidneys or renal pelvis can also cause pain when urinating or constipation. In the case of kidney inflammation, only one of the two kidneys is usually affected.
Renal colic can also cause severe kidney pain: In the case of renal colic, the musculature of the kidneys contracts spasmodically, which leads to such spasmodic kidney pain. Often a kidney stone has descended into the ureter. This kidney pain can radiate heavily into the lower abdomen and can also lead to nausea and vomiting.
Other diseases that can cause kidney pain include:
Diseases
When to the doctor?
Kidney pain often occurs with other side effects and should never be underestimated. They usually indicate mild or severe kidney disease that requires medical attention. Kidney pain occurs in the lumbar region and can radiate to the abdominal area.
It is particularly important to pay attention to additional symptoms when urinating. The symptoms include a frequent urge to urinate and a burning sensation when urinating. These symptoms usually occur together with acute kidney pain and can indicate inflammation of the kidney. In any case, a doctor should be consulted.
You should also pay attention to changes in the color of the urine if you have kidney pain. If, for example , there is blood in the urine and there is stabbing pain in the back at the same time, this can be an indication of kidney stones. These must be examined by a doctor immediately, otherwise severe renal colic and kidney damage can occur. Cloudy discoloration of the urine can also indicate an infection. If this occurs together with kidney pain, a urine sample should be taken for examination by the doctor. This saves time and enables a quick diagnosis with subsequent treatment.
symptoms and course
Kidney pain occurs in the flank region, especially in the kidney area. Depending on whether both or just one kidney is affected, the pain sensation can be unilateral or bilateral. However, the pain is often not limited locally to the kidney area, but radiates to other regions. That is why those affected often only perceive kidney pain as pain in the groin.
Depending on the type of kidney pain, this can indicate various kidney problems, because like most pain, kidney pain is also so-called symptomatic pain – it is a symptom of an underlying problem. Inflammation of the renal pelvis can result in fever and painful urination. Kidney stones sometimes cause severe and paroxysmal colic that can last up to hours. Bloating , constipation , chills and nausea to the point of vomiting can also be symptoms of kidney pain.
Diagnose
Kidney pain should always be taken seriously. In the case of severe and recurring pain in particular, you should definitely consult a doctor. Therapeutic measures then depend on the causes of the kidney pain.
The doctor will first take a detailed anamnesis (medical history) and perform a thorough physical examination on the patient. In addition, with this type of complaint, blood is drawn to find evidence of inflammation. If the blood test shows an increased leukocyte or CRP value, this indicates an inflammatory reaction in the body (e.g. inflammation of the kidney pelvis). Cholesterol and creatinine levels in the blood are also determined. A urine test should also be carried out to determine blood excretion as well as creatinine and protein levels.
Various imaging methods such as ultrasound , X- ray , CT or MRI can also be used to detect visible abnormalities in the kidneys. For this purpose, the external shape and the blood supply to the kidneys are examined.
complications
Kidney pain is an indication of kidney malfunction. The affected person is threatened with treatments such as dialysis or a failure of organ activity. In this case there is danger to life. If the course of the disease is particularly severe, a donor organ is needed and a transplant is necessary. This is a lengthy process in which the patient has to accept a restricted lifestyle for a very long time. In addition, the mental strain is very strong, since the fear of dying becomes a daily companion. The kidney pain often triggers a change in the amount of urine. As a result, accumulation of water in the entire body is possible. Discomfort with urination can also occur. If the pain does not allow the bladder to be completely emptied, there is a risk of cystitis.
Kidney pain may indicate the presence of kidney stones. These are particularly painful and must be surgically removed or shattered. The kidney pain leads to a reduction in fluid intake. There is a risk of dehydration of the body, which is associated with other functional disorders. Inflammation of the renal pelvis can occur due to the pain. Drug treatment is associated with severe side effects. If left untreated, kidney pain often leads to other symptoms. Fever, dizziness, convulsions, or chills occur. Some sufferers become confused.
treatment and therapy
Kidney pain due to kidney or pyelitis is often treated with broad -spectrum antibiotics . Antispasmodics are sometimes administered against painful kidney colic – because of the sometimes very severe kidney pain associated with colic, painkillers are sometimes also part of the therapeutic measures.
Kidney stones that cause kidney pain often pass on their own through the bladder and ureters. In patients who are not, kidney stones can be removed in a number of ways. This can happen, for example, through shock waves that act on the kidney stones from the outside and shatter them.
A so-called ureteral endoscopy can also be carried out to remove kidney stones and combat the associated kidney pain: A special device is guided through the urethra and bladder to the kidney stones, which makes it possible to remove the stones.
If kidney stones are very large or in an unfavorable location, an operation may also be necessary.
outlook and prognosis
In many cases, kidney pain subsides without further treatment and is generally considered to be easily treatable. Nevertheless, the exact investigation of the cause remains important. If there is a serious illness and inflammation of the kidneys, the pain increases to a level that is difficult to bear without medical support. The quality of life in everyday life is noticeably reduced and patients find themselves at the mercy of a mental and physical stress situation . As a direct consequence of avoiding pain, those affected avoid drinking enough water and thus pave the way for dehydration.
Other side effects in the later course are emotional states that are similar to a bad cold. There is also general nausea and an increased tendency to vomit in those who are ill. In addition, discoloration in the urine can be noticeable due to blood admixtures. Drug treatment often leads to rapid relief of symptoms and a reduction in symptoms within a few days. Acute kidney inflammation (glomerulonephritis) usually occurs moderately in healthy people and heals on its own. Exceptions are old people or patients with previously damaged kidneys due to a chronic disease.
However, sudden pain due to kidney failure leads to life-threatening complications. On the other hand, the prognosis after the removal of the organ is usually very favorable. Humans have two functioning, independent kidneys and only need one to survive. If an unhealthy diet and the abuse of alcohol or drugs are the main causes of kidney pain, a change in lifestyle and a withdrawal treatment are essential for a positive course of the disease.
prevention
Adequate fluid intake and a balanced diet, among other things, help prevent kidney pain.Because urinary stones, which can lead to kidney pain, are caused, for example, by too high concentrations of various substances in the urine, which then crystallize – for example, this can be animal fats consumed in excess .
Sufficient liquid also promotes the removal of toxins from the kidneys and reduces the risk of existing kidney stones becoming lodged in the ureters or tubes and leading to kidney pain – the liquid supplied can help to remove the stones.
In order to prevent severe kidney infections, it is advisable to consult a doctor at an early stage if you have kidney pain.
Hello and welcome to my Health Guide & Encyclopedia! My name is Dorothy Farrar, and I'm the founder and main author of this platform.
My passion for health and wellness started at a young age when I became interested in the connection between the food we eat and the way we feel. This fascination led me to study nutrition and dietetics in college, where I learned about the importance of a balanced diet and the impact of various nutrients on the body.