What Causes Kidney Pain?
As a potential symptom of many diseases and disorders, kidney pain can make any individual suffer significantly. Pain in the kidneys typically occurs due to inflammation or infection, and it can range from a mild ache to intense and sharp stabbing pain. Fortunately, there are ways to reduce kidney pain. In order to understand what causes it, it is important to first examine the anatomy of the kidneys and the different ailments associated with these particular organs.
The Anatomy of the Kidneys
The human body contains two kidney organs, which are essential for maintaining health and balance. Located on either side of the spine in the middle of the back, the kidneys filter blood, remove toxins and excess waste from the body, and even help regulate electrolyte balance in the body. Surrounding the kidneys are a variety of muscles, veins, and arteries. The ureter is connected to the kidney and runs down to the bladder, allowing for the passage of urine. When something occurs that damages the kidneys and causes inflammation, this can lead to pain that can last for anywhere from days to months depending on treatment.
Common Causes of Kidney Pain
There are a few common causes of kidney pain, including kidney stones and infections. Kidney stones are usually formed in the kidneys when there is too much calcium, oxalate, or cysteine in the body. As crystallized stones form in the kidneys, they tend to move down into the ureter, causing a blockage. Pain tends to be very intense when the stone is “pushing” against the walls of the ureter on its way down.
Kidney infection or pyelonephritis is another common cause of kidney pain. Bacterial illness tends to start in the ureter and spread up to the kidney, causing severe pain and inflammation. The primary way of treating a kidney infection is to use antibiotics. However, without antibiotic treatment, this type of infection can eventually spread to the surrounding organs and into the bloodstream, leading to a potential poisonous reaction within the body.
Sometimes high blood pressure, which can strain the kidneys, can also cause pain. People who suffer from diabetes may experience changes in their kidney functions, including reduced ability to effectively filter out wastes, and this can lead to pain in the kidneys as well. Finally, any kind of trauma to the back or abdomen that is near the kidney area can also cause pain.
Treating Kidney Pain
When dealing with kidney pain, it is best to start by visiting a doctor. A doctor will be able to determine whether or not the pain is due to a temporary or life-threatening issue, and prescribe medications and treatments to reduce the amount of inflammation and discomfort. In the case of kidney stones, medications can help reduce the risk of further problems, and doctors may choose to perform surgery in order to remove any stones that are too large or that are causing unattainable pain.
When it comes to treating kidney pain, it is important to make sure that the root cause is treated accordingly. If a kidney infection is the source of pain, then taking antibiotics as prescribed is essential in order to prevent the spread of infection. Other potential causes of kidney pain may require specific lifestyle changes, such as reducing intake of sodium and alcohol, exercising more, and maintaining a healthy weight to reduce the risk of high blood pressure and diabetes.
Kidney pain can be a terrifying experience and can occur as a result of numerous causes. However, if it is properly diagnosed and treated, pain can typically be significantly reduced and managed. It is important that individuals take measures to prevent kidney pain by maintaining proper hydration and looking out for the signs and symptoms of any potential ailments. From the moment kidney pain is first experienced, it is important to seek medical help as quickly as possible in order to properly treat it.