Kidney pain is a common issue many people experience at some point in their lives. The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs located in the lower back. They play a significant role in filtering waste and excess fluids from the blood. Improper kidney function may cause discomfort and severe health issues. Understanding the causes, treatment, and when to seek medical attention if one has kidney pain is crucial in taking great care of one's health.  

Causes of Kidney Pain

Kidney Stones: One of the leading causes of kidney pain is kidney stones. These are hard deposits of minerals and salts that accumulate in your kidneys. They can cause severe back and side pain, which often radiates to the lower abdomen and groin. The pain may be colicky and, at times, comes with nausea, vomiting, and even blood in the urine.
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Infections of the urinary tract, particularly the kidneys, usually result in exquisite pain. A kidney infection, or pyelonephritis, is characterized by fever, chills, and a frequent urge to urinate. Pain generally occurs at the lower back and sides.
Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD): A genetic disorder characterized by the growth of several cysts in the kidneys. Cysts can lead to swelling of the kidneys and cause chronic pain in the back and sides. PKD can also result in high blood pressure and kidney failure.
Kidney Injury: Trauma to the kidneys from an accident or sports injury can cause immediate, severe pain. This type of pain comes with bruising, blood in the urine, and swelling.
Kidney Cancer: This is a minor reason for kidney pain. However, it should not be ruled out as it can also present as back or side pain. Other symptoms accompanying this condition include weight loss, an abdominal lump, and fatigue.
Hydronephrosis: it is the swelling of one kidney due to the accumulation of urine. This can be caused by a blockage in the urinary path, or a problem related to the valves in the bladder. Usually, the pain is felt at the back or side and is also associated with the urge to urinate often and nausea.

When to Contact a Medical Professional?

It is necessary to call the doctor if kidney pain is severe, lingers with time, or there is another associated symptom. Here are some situations when you need to pick up the phone and call your doctor:

Severe or Unrelenting Pain: If the pain is bad enough that you can't get into a comfortable position, or if it continues and doesn't respond to over-the-counter pain medication, give in and call for help.
Fever and Chills: These symptoms may indicate an infection, which can be severe if not treated.
Blood in the Urine: This is one of the symptoms of a potentially serious medical condition, and a healthcare provider should be consulted for the appropriate evaluation.
Nausea and Vomiting: A persisting feeling of nausea and vomiting, with kidney pain, may be suggestive of something being seriously wrong with the kidneys, and emergency medical action should be taken.
Painful Urination: If urination is sore or you experience urination far more or less than usual, that can indicate a blockage in the urinary tract or a probable infection.
Swelling: Swelling of the ankles, feet, or face can indicate kidney disorders, and the person should see a doctor.

Treatment of Kidney Pain

The treatment depends on the cause of the kidney pain. Now, these are some of the common treatments:

Pain relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers include acetaminophen or ibuprofen, which will relieve mild to moderate kidney pain. Importantly, don't use some of these medications, which can make the kidneys worse — for example, NSAIDs — unless by a doctor's indication.
Hydration: Consuming adequate water is associated with cleaning the urinary system and preventing kidney stones. Drinking fluids may help kidney stones pass with less pain and more quickly.
Medications: Kidney infections, or UTIs, are treated with antibiotics. The patient is strongly encouraged to complete the entire course of antibiotics to eradicate the disease completely. Other medications are given, including those to relieve the ureter muscles, which can help in the passage of kidney stones.
Other procedures: Including but not limited to extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) and ureteroscopy, are performed when the size of the kidney stone makes it impossible for it to pass out by itself. In those experiencing severe blockages that have led to hydronephrosis, a procedure to drain the urine may be necessary.
Surgery: If kidney pain is severe and includes the occurrence of large-sized kidney stones, or renal cell carcinoma, then surgical intervention may be needed. It also helps remove any blockages, cysts, or tumours causing pain.
Living healthily: Living healthily can prevent some of the causes of kidney pain. This includes a healthy diet, physical exercise, avoiding too much salt and protein, and controlling other predisposing conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure.

Conclusion

In conclusion, kidney pain can have various causes, ranging from kidney stones and infections to genetic disorders and injuries. Treatment depends on the underlying cause of the problem and may vary from pain management, hydration, and medication support to sometimes requiring surgery. However, one should not wait to see a doctor in the event of severe or persistent kidney pain with or without the following symptoms. Timely diagnosis and proper kidney pain treatment ensure a clean bill of health status free from complications.

References

https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/kidneystones
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/kidney-stones/symptoms-causes/syc-20355755