Causes of Kidney Pain

Kidney pain is a symptom of various renal disorders. To understand what are the causes of kidney pain, read on...

Kidneys are the bean-shaped, vital organs positioned in the abdomen near the middle area of the back. Their important function is to maintain the homeostatic balance of the body fluids. They play a vital role in the filtration of the blood and eliminate harmful toxins from the body in the form of urine. Kidneys also help in monitoring the concentrations of electrolytes like sodium and potassium and maintaining the acid-base balance. Impaired renal functioning can lead to a number of health problems. Kidney pain is one of the major symptoms of various kidney diseases. It results from different causes such as kidney stones, kidney infections, kidney cancer or polycystic kidney disease.

Causes of Kidney Pain

Kidney pain is experienced in the flank area of the back. This kind of pain is typically severe and sharp and it is felt in waves. Various health conditions are responsible for kidney pain.

Kidney Infection: Kidney infection is also referred to as pyelonephritis. Kidney pain associated with infection is due to inflammation of the kidney tissues. The pain-sensitive capsule that surrounds the kidneys is stretched and there is swelling of the kidneys, which can lead to kidney pain. Pain is quite sharp and intense. It can also cause tenderness in the affected area. It may be accompanied by other symptoms like nausea, vomiting and high fever. The doctor prescribes antibiotics to cure kidney infection. Painkillers are administered to relieve pain.

Kidney Stones: Kidney stones are one of the major risk factors for kidney pain. Kidney stones result from the crystallization of urine into small, hard substances, due to the disturbed balance of fluids and minerals. They can block ureters and stop the urine flow. As a result, urine is not excreted from the kidneys, leading to swelling of the kidneys. Kidney pain caused by kidney stones is considered as 'colic'; that means it is felt in waves. It begins in the right or left flank and spreads down. People with pain from kidney stone describe it as the most severe type of pain ever experienced. A person may also experience nausea and vomiting. Kidney stones are treated with medications or surgically removed. You are advised to increase fluid intake, which can help remove kidney stones. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are administered to relieve kidney pain.

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): UTI is also another common cause of kidney pain, especially in women. The Gram Negative bacteria are mainly responsible for UTI. It generally affects the bladder; however, it can spread to the kidneys. When the kidneys are affected, a person experiences abdominal pain, fever, chills and vomiting. Antibiotics are prescribed to treat UTI.

Dull and Aching Kidney Pain

Kidney pain is often sharp and intense, and very rarely dull and aching. There are certain health conditions that can cause the latter type of kidney pain.

Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD): It is a genetic kidney disorder, causing enlarged kidneys due to formation of several cysts. This condition can cause dull and aching kidney pain. This kind of pain is felt in the front area of the abdomen instead of back region. Kidney dialysis and kidney transplantation are required to treat PKD.

Kidney Cancer: In some rare cases of kidney cancer, tumor can grow and damage the capsule of the kidneys causing dull and constant pain. In order to cure kidney cancer, tumor should be removed surgically.

Blocked Urine Flow: There are certain health conditions other than kidney stones such as chronic bilateral obstructive uropathy or enlarged prostate that can cause a blockage of urine flow. This can lead to dull, aching pain. The treatment is administered depending upon the cause of blockage.

Bleeding in the kidneys due to injury or kidney infarction are some uncommon causes of kidney pain. When you experience kidney pain, you should immediately consult the doctor. We all know that prevention is always better than cure, so taking proper precaution is beneficial. Kidney diseases can be prevented by having a balanced and healthy diet, adequate intake of fluids and regular exercises.