What is Kidney Pain? Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Kidney Pain

Kidney pain is a type of pain usually felt on the side of the lower back and is thought to originate from the kidneys. The pain can be on one or both sides and is often different from a simple muscle ache; it may indicate serious causes such as kidney stones, infection, or trauma. Symptoms of kidney pain include throbbing in the lower back, fever, and frequent urination.

What is Kidney Pain?

Kidney pain is the name given to pain felt on the side of the lower back due to a problem originating from the kidneys. Kidney tissue cannot feel pain directly. Pain usually occurs due to the stretching of the capsule on the outer surface of the kidney or inflammation in the surrounding tissues. This pain is generally dull and non-stabbing in character and may intensify upon pressure. It is often felt on one side (for example, kidney stones or infection may affect one kidney). Rarely, both kidneys may be affected in cases of widespread infections or genetic polycystic kidney disease. Kidney and groin pain can sometimes be felt simultaneously, which may negatively affect a person's daily life.

What Are the Symptoms of Kidney Pain?

The most prominent symptom of kidney pain is a deep, dull ache felt on the side of the back and just below the ribs. This pain usually does not decrease with a change in position and persists continuously. Right kidney pain is usually felt as a dull or sharp sensation on the right side of the lower back. Left kidney pain may be accompanied by nausea and urinary changes in some cases. Other symptoms that may accompany kidney pain include:

Character of the pain: It is a generally constant, dull ache felt on the side of the lower back. In cases of stones or infection, it may become sharp and stabbing in nature. Covid may be associated with kidney pain; in some cases, the virus can affect the kidneys and cause pain.

Urinary problems: Burning during urination, or a feeling of frequent or very little urination may occur.

General symptoms: There may be signs of infection such as fever, chills, nausea, and vomiting. Especially if there is severe lower back pain accompanied by fever, a kidney infection should be considered.

Other symptoms: In advanced kidney damage, systemic symptoms such as swelling of the hands and feet (edema), fatigue, and loss of appetite may be seen. Feeling kidney pain while breathing may indicate the presence of problems such as inflammation or stones in the kidney.

How Does Kidney Pain Occur?

Generally, when stones in the kidney block the urinary tract, pressure inside the kidney increases, and the kidney capsule stretches, causing severe pain. Similarly, kidney infections (pyelonephritis) affect the kidney tissue, leading to swelling and inflammation, which in turn creates pain. Additionally, direct trauma to the kidney as a result of impacts or accidents can also cause pain. Kidney pain during pregnancy can occur due to the growing uterus putting pressure on the kidneys. Kidney pain during pregnancy is a condition that should be followed up carefully. Right kidney pain during pregnancy can often be caused by the pressure of the growing uterus on the right kidney. Kidney pain can be experienced when not drinking enough water because the kidneys cannot receive enough fluid. People who feel kidney pain in the mornings may need to pay attention to their fluid intake throughout the night. At the same time, Covid can be associated with kidney pain, especially in the post-infection period.

What Diseases is Kidney Pain a Symptom Of?

Kidney pain is one of the body's signals; it is a warning given by the kidneys, which usually work silently, when they encounter a problem. This pain, felt on the side of the lower back just below the ribs, sometimes appears as a mild discomfort and sometimes can be severe enough to disrupt daily life. The main point to pay attention to is that this pain is not just caused by muscle or posture disorders; it can be a harbinger of serious diseases. First of all, one of the most common conditions is kidney stones; these stones, formed by the accumulation of crystals in the kidney ducts, can block urine flow and cause very intense pain. The pain usually starts suddenly and radiates toward the groin. Kidney pain can be associated with the following conditions:

Kidney stone: Kidney stone pain can start suddenly and radiate severely toward the groin area. If kidney pain is felt when coughing, the underlying suspicion of a stone or infection should be investigated.

Kidney infection (pyelonephritis): Develops as a result of bacteria spreading to the kidney tissue. Fever, chills, and back pain may be accompanied by burning during urination and foul-smelling urine.

Urinary tract infection: Lower urinary tract infections can sometimes ascend and affect the kidney, showing similar symptoms. Waking up due to kidney pain while sleeping at night may be a sign of a urinary tract infection. Getting cold can increase kidney pain complaints and raise the risk of infection.

Polycystic kidney disease: It is a genetic disease; numerous cysts form in the kidneys, and over time, the kidney size increases, which may cause pain.

Kidney cancer: In the advanced stage, constant pain in the lower part of the ribs, unexplained weight loss, and bloody urine may be seen.

Hydronephrosis: It usually occurs due to a stone or tumor and causes pain due to increased pressure inside the kidney.

Kidney trauma: It is the injury of the kidney tissue due to impacts such as falling, bumping, or accidents.

Metabolic problems and dehydration: Dehydration of the body or certain metabolic diseases can impair kidney function and lead to pain.

How is Kidney Pain Treated?

The treatment of kidney pain is primarily determined according to the underlying cause. In the first stage, the doctor tries to reach a diagnosis with urine analysis and imaging tests (ultrasound, CT, etc.). If a kidney infection is present, appropriate antibiotics are started; if there is pain due to a kidney stone, drug therapy or interventional methods (such as lithotripsy, surgical intervention) are applied according to the size of the stone. In the case of cancer, oncological treatments such as surgery or chemotherapy can be applied.

Frequently Asked Questions

In the early stages, there may be no symptoms; the problem is only detected through blood or urine tests. As it progresses, symptoms such as foamy urine (protein in urine), swelling of the hands and feet (edema), high blood pressure, weakness, and fatigue may appear. In common parlance, a 'kidney cold' usually means a kidney infection. Its most common symptoms are pain in the lower back and sides, pain radiating to the groin, frequent urination, burning during urination, fever, chills, nausea, and vomiting. Along with consuming plenty of water, painkillers prescribed by a doctor can be used. If the pain is severe or if there are symptoms such as fever and bloody urine, a doctor should be consulted immediately. The most effective method is to drink plenty of clean water. Water helps the kidneys filter waste products. Additionally, applying a warm compress to the lower back area may relieve the pain. It is recommended to stay away from salty and acidic drinks and to rest. Kidney-related pain is usually felt on the sides of the lower back, just below the ribs. Some patients may also describe the pain as radiating to the thigh or back. It is the passing of kidney stones in small pieces. Sharp pain that starts suddenly in the lower back and groin, blood in the urine, frequent urination, burning during urination, nausea, and vomiting are typical. The kidneys have their own self-cleaning mechanism. Healthy water consumption is the most important factor. Drinking plenty of water facilitates the excretion of waste products through urine. Regular exercise, salt restriction, and a balanced diet also support kidney health. Instead of detox products, these basic measures make the kidneys work effectively. The harms of jock itch can be prevented by improving hygiene conditions, but other existing fungal infections and risk factors must be eliminated. Approaches such as avoiding tight and wet clothing, reducing sweating and friction, drying the area thoroughly, not sharing personal care items like towels, not touching or scratching the infected area, and putting on socks before clothes when dressing can reduce the risk of jock itch. For kidney problems, nephrology or urology departments are usually consulted. Nephrology is a sub-branch of internal medicine that deals with kidney dysfunction and chronic kidney diseases. Urology is a surgical specialty that deals with kidney stones, tumors, and urinary tract problems. Mineral waters contain high levels of sodium; they are not recommended for those with high blood pressure or kidney problems. In healthy individuals, natural minerals in mineral water can be beneficial for general health, but drinking clean potable water may be a safer choice. Kidney-related pain is usually felt as a constant, deep ache just below the ribs. This pain does not decrease with movement; on the contrary, it persists. To distinguish it from back pain originating from muscles or the spine, symptoms accompanying the pain such as fever, urinary changes, or hematuria are checked. A doctor's examination and necessary tests are required for a definitive diagnosis. Kidney pain is usually felt on the side of the lower back, just below the ribs, and can radiate toward the lower back. It can manifest itself as lower back pain, especially in conditions such as kidney stones, infection, or inflammation.

If you are experiencing kidney pain or suspect symptoms, do not delay. Hisar Hospital's expert Nephrology physicians are by your side for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. You can have your check-up immediately by making an online appointment.