Symptoms

Kidney pain, or renal pain, is a discomfort or ache experienced in the lower back, sides, or groyne. This type of pain can range from mild to severe and can indicate a variety of underlying health issues related to the kidneys.

The kidneys play a critical role in filtering waste from the blood and maintaining the body’s fluid and electrolyte balance. Therefore, any pain associated with the kidneys should be promptly addressed to prevent potential complications and ensure proper kidney function.

Common symptoms of kidney pain

Kidney pain can present with various symptoms that can help differentiate it from other types of back pain. Common symptoms include:

• Severe pain in the back, side, or groyne: This pain is often sharp and may fluctuate in intensity. It is typically felt just below the rib cage and can radiate to the lower abdomen or groyne.
• Blood in the urine (haematuria): This can range from visible red or pink tinges in the urine to microscopic blood detected during a lab test.
• Fever and chills: These symptoms often accompany a kidney infection or severe kidney inflammation.
• Nausea and vomiting: The body’s response to severe pain or an underlying infection can lead to gastrointestinal symptoms.
• Frequent urination or difficulty urinating: An increased need to urinate or pain during urination can indicate a urinary tract problem affecting the kidneys.
• Painful urination (dysuria): Discomfort or a burning sensation during urination can signal an infection or irritation in the urinary tract.
• Cloudy or foul-smelling urine: This can indicate the presence of infection or other abnormalities in the urine.

Severe symptoms or complications

In certain cases, kidney pain can signify a more severe condition requiring immediate medical intervention. Severe symptoms and complications can include:

• Intense, persistent pain that does not subside: This type of pain can be indicative of a kidney stone, severe infection, or another serious issue.
• High fever with chills: A high fever suggests a systemic infection, such as pyelonephritis, which requires urgent treatment.
• Significant blood in the urine: Large amounts of blood in the urine can indicate significant injury or disease within the kidneys.
• Severe nausea and vomiting leading to dehydration: Persistent vomiting can lead to dehydration, exacerbating kidney problems.
• Sudden onset of urinary retention (inability to urinate): This can be a medical emergency, particularly if it is caused by a blockage in the urinary tract.
• Confusion or altered mental status in severe infections: Sepsis, a severe infection that has spread throughout the body, can cause mental confusion and requires immediate medical attention.

What causes kidney pain?

Several conditions can cause kidney pain, each presenting with its unique set of symptoms and implications. The most common causes include:

Kidney Stones

Hard deposits made of minerals and salts form inside the kidneys. When these kidney stones move into the urinary tract, they can cause intense pain, obstruct urine flow, and lead to infection.

Kidney Infection (Pyelonephritis)

Kidney infections are a type of urinary tract infection that travels to the kidneys, causing inflammation, fever, chills, and pain. If left untreated, it can lead to permanent kidney damage.

Kidney Blockage (Obstruction)

Obstruction in the urinary tract, often due to kidney stones, tumours, or an enlarged prostate, can cause severe pain and impair kidney function.

Kidney Cancers and Tumours

Abnormal growths in the kidney can cause pain and may also present with symptoms like blood in the urine, unexplained weight loss, and fatigue.

Polycystic Kidney Disease

A genetic disorder where numerous cysts form in the kidneys, leading to pain, high blood pressure, and eventual kidney failure if not managed properly.

Treatments for kidney pain

The treatment for kidney pain varies depending on the underlying cause. Here are common treatments tailored to specific conditions:

Pain relief

Over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can alleviate mild pain. For more severe pain, prescription painkillers or antispasmodics may be necessary.

Antibiotics

For kidney infections, antibiotics are crucial to eliminate the bacteria causing the infection. It’s important to complete the entire course of antibiotics to ensure the infection is fully treated.

Hydration

Drinking plenty of fluids helps flush out the urinary system, particularly useful for preventing and managing kidney stones and infections.

Medical procedures

For larger kidney stones or severe obstructions, procedures such as lithotripsy (breaking up stones using sound waves), ureteroscopy (using a scope to remove stones), or surgical removal may be necessary.

Cancer treatment

For kidney cancers and tumours, treatment options may include surgery (nephrectomy), radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or targeted therapy. The treatment plan depends on the stage and type of cancer.

Lifestyle modifications

For conditions like polycystic kidney disease, managing blood pressure and following a kidney-friendly diet can help control symptoms and slow disease progression.

Can you prevent kidney pain?

Preventing kidney pain involves adopting healthy lifestyle habits and addressing potential risk factors. Here are some preventive measures:

• Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps dilute the substances in urine that form stones. Aim for at least 8-10 glasses of water a day.
• Healthy Diet: Eating a balanced diet low in salt, protein, and oxalates (found in foods like spinach, nuts, and tea) can reduce the risk of kidney stones.
• Regular Exercise: Physical activity helps maintain a healthy weight and reduces the risk of high blood pressure, a risk factor for kidney disease. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week.
• Monitor Blood Pressure and Blood Sugar: Keeping these levels in check can prevent damage to the kidneys. Regular check-ups and appropriate medications can help manage these conditions.
• Avoid Smoking and Limit Alcohol: Both can contribute to kidney damage over time. Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol intake can improve overall kidney health.
• Healthy Urinary Habits: Urinating when the need arises rather than holding it can prevent urinary tract infections. Additionally, maintaining good hygiene can help prevent infections.

Frequently asked questions