Your kidneys are vital organs that play a key role in your overall health. They are your body’s natural filtration system. Kidneys are responsible for regulating your fluid balance, electrolyte levels, and waste elimination. They work in conjunction with a number of other systems to ensure your body properly functions. Below you will find how to notice kidney pain and its causes.
How to notice kidney pain and its causes
Kidney pain may not be obvious right away. Sometimes it can be mistaken for back pain. Understanding what causes kidney pain, what it feels like, and how to differentiate it from other pain is important. Kidney pain is often characterized by a dull ache or discomfort in your back. It may also feel like a sharp, stabbing pain. They are located just below your ribcage, so you can often feel it there. However, the pain can radiate to your groin or abdomen in some cases.
There are several symptoms associated with kidney pain. Common symptoms include fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, weakness, and high blood pressure. Some people also experience swelling in the legs, ankles, or face. Issues with urination can also occur. This includes pain or difficulty urinating, frequent urination, or blood in your urine. These are all signs that you should contact your medical provider immediately.
Causes of Kidney Pain
Kidney pain is often caused by an underlying issue. There are various medical issues that can cause kidney pain.
Kidney Stones:
One of the most common causes of kidney pain is kidney stones. Kidney stones occur when waste builds up in your blood. This buildup can stick together and form clumps in your kidneys. Kidney stones can pass when you urinate. However, some are larger and more difficult, and surgery may be necessary.
Urinary Tract Infection:
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is caused by bacteria in your urinary tract. It impacts nearly 15 million women annually as it is one of the most common infectious diseases in America. This can cause pain when you go to the bathroom. It can also cause a fever, frequent urination, and kidney pain. Medication can generally clear up the issue fairly quickly.
Kidney Infection:
A kidney infection is caused by bacteria that spreads from your urinary tract to your kidneys. These are more common among women. A kidney infection needs to be treated right away. If left untreated, it can lead to kidney damage. Consult with a medical professional right away if you think you may have a kidney infection.
Dehydration:
Staying hydrated is key for your overall health. If you do not have enough water in your body, it can cause kidney pain. Dehydration can occur for a number of reasons. This includes sweating a lot, urinating too much, diarrhea, or throwing up. Stay hydrated and consult with a medical professional if your kidney pain does not go away after proper hydration.
Kidney Injury:
Accidents can happen to anyone. You can easily hurt your kidney if you fall or have a sports injury. The pain can be mild or strong, and you may also have bruises. It is advisable to contact a medical professional for an examination.
Kidney Pain and Treatment
If you experience kidney pain, It’s advisable to contact a kidney disease specialist as soon as possible. This is especially true if you also have blood in your urine, pain when you urinate, body aches or chills, fatigue, nausea, or vomiting. The type of treatment depends on the underlying cause of your kidney pain. Common tests include a urine test or imaging to determine the cause of your pain. Contact Dr. Gura today to schedule an appointment!