Kidney pain is often confused with back pain. Read here why this is the case and what else you should know about the symptoms and causes such as kidney congestion and the like.
The kidneys are one of the most important organs in the human body. They are responsible for the elimination of toxins and metabolic products, regulate the water and electrolyte balance and form vital hormones. The latter are mainly responsible for regulating blood pressure and for the formation of red blood cells.
The kidneys also regulate the pH value in the blood so that there is no over-acidosis (acidosis).
The kidneys lie in pairs to the left and right of the spine at the level of the eleventh and twelfth costal arches. They are about eleven to twelve inches long and five to six inches wide. A kidney weighs around 150 grams.
Detect kidney pain
Kidney pain can be a sign of a wide variety of diseases. It is therefore all the more important to be able to correctly interpret the symptoms in the kidney area. Routine tests of the urine or blood can provide initial conclusions about kidney problems. If you have kidney problems, always have a doctor examine you; the origin of the pain should be clearly defined and diagnosed.
Locate the pain
The symptoms usually occur in the renal pelvis and in the flanks, the lateral abdominal regions. Whether the pain occurs on the right, left or both sides depends on whether one or both kidneys are affected. If you think your symptoms are more back pain than kidney pain, there is a very easy way to find out for yourself. Typical signs of back pain are a change in posture and restricted movement. If you feel a slight, cramp-like pain when you tap the palm of your hand lightly over the iliac crest, this more likely indicates kidney pain. If in doubt, a urine test can determine the disease of the kidneys, bladder, urethra and ureter.
Symptoms of kidney problems
No matter what symptoms you experience, a visit to a doctor is the surest way to get an accurate diagnosis of the disease and the right treatment.
You should see a doctor if you have any of the following symptoms:
- Pain in the lower back and stabbing flank pain that extends forward into the lower abdomen and groin
- Chills and fever
- blood in the urine
- abdominal jerky pain
- circulatory problems
- nausea or vomiting
- loss of appetite
- tiredness
Kidney congestion as a cause of kidney problems
The pain in the kidneys can be caused by a congestion in the kidneys, in which the pressure on the urinary tract causes the urine to back up into the renal pelvic system. In most cases, kidney congestion manifests itself as a slight pulling in the sides up to severe pain, fever, nausea and vomiting. In addition, there is usually pain when urinating. However, the amount of urine is often greatly reduced. Kidney congestion can affect only one kidney or both kidneys. Urinary bladder or kidney stones, cancer, urinary tract infections or pregnancy are often the cause of congested kidneys. Kidney congestion, like other causes, should be treated quickly.
Other causes of kidney pain
Kidney stones
Kidney stones are also one of the causes of kidney pain. Kidney stones are caused by excessive absorption of stone-forming substances, including cystine, calcium, phosphate, uric acid and oxalate. People who are particularly susceptible to stone-forming substances should avoid coffee, tea and alcohol. The drinks also give the urine stone-forming substances.
Renal colic
When renal colic occurs, the small to medium-sized kidney stones can no longer be passed through the ureter and bladder without severe pain by drinking large amounts of water. If a large stone moves out of the kidney, it can lead to painful colic. The stones are then either crumbled by external shock waves or they are surgically removed.
Pelvic inflammation
Kidney inflammation is another cause of kidney pain. It usually arises as a result of a cystitis, often caused by a cold, by rising bacteria. Fever, chills, frequent urination and blood in the urine are just a few of the consequences of kidney inflammation. So that the bladder infection does not turn into an inflammation of the kidney pelvis, action should be taken at the first signs. Antibiotics fight the bacteria, warmth relieves pain and enough fluids, e.g. B. water or tea, flush the kidneys, bladder and urethra.
Kidney failure
Serious damage, e.g. For example, permanent lack of oxygen, inflammation or toxic damage from medication can lead to kidney damage and kidney failure. In addition to severe kidney pain, there are also no longer adjustable high blood pressure, an irregular heartbeat, cramps, drowsiness, water retention and shortness of breath. The emergency services should be alerted immediately if these signs occur!
Kidney tumor
A dull pain in the side of the back in combination with unwanted weight loss, loss of appetite, fatigue, anemia, persistent or frequent, low-grade fever, bloody urine and high blood pressure can indicate a kidney tumor. If you experience these symptoms, you should see a doctor immediately!
Menstrual pain
Most women experience period pain before and during their period. These can also manifest themselves as supposed kidney pain, among other things.
Alcohol consumption
Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to kidney pain when the immune system is weakened and inflammation develops. Kidney stones can also be related to alcohol and kidney pain.
Prevent kidney pain
To prevent kidney pain, you should eat a low-salt diet and drink at least two to three liters of fluids such as tea and water a day.
Quick help against kidney pain
If you feel acute kidney pain, you can easily treat it yourself. Heat, e.g. B. with a hot water bottle, grain pillow or warming plaster promotes blood circulation and loosens the surrounding muscles. A thick scarf tied around the kidney area will also help. Alternatively, warm baths can help relieve kidney pain. To flush the kidneys well, diuretic teas such as nettle or dandelion are recommended. Also drink enough water!
If warmth and drinking a lot do not help and the pain lasts for several days or even gets worse, you should see a doctor. He will initiate the exact treatment steps based on the anamnesis.
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