KIDNEY PAIN

Causes of kidney pain are as follows:

• Hydronephrosis
• Bladder infection 
• Blood clots in the kidneys 
• Kidney infections
• Urinary tract infections 
• Kidney stones 
• Kidney cancer
• Glomerulonephritis
• Anything that compresses the kidney like a large tumor
• End-stage renal disease
• Drugs or toxins that harm kidney tissues such as chronic use of medications like ibuprofen and exposure to pesticides
• Congenital renal system deformities resulting in total or partial blockage of the supply of urine 
• Bleeding of the kidneys (bleeding) such as by penetrating trauma or blunt trauma (“kidney laceration”)
• Kidney pain during pregnancy
• Polycystic kidney disease (congenital)

SYMPTOMS

Related symptoms include discomfort (acute or chronic), aches, or extreme pain that arises in the back between the lowest rib and the buttock. Signs and symptoms may occur such as:

• Painful urination (dysuria)
• Fever
• Chills
• Nausea
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Vomiting
• Fatigue
• Rash
• Blood in the urine

Other signs and symptoms that can arise if the function of the kidney is gradually impaired are:

• Swelling and shortness of breath
• Bad breath
• Taste of metal in the mouth

DIAGNOSIS

The history of the patient, physical examination, and laboratory examinations, including pregnancy, blood, and urinary tests,  are the basis to diagnose kidney pain, and it is necessary to order a CT scan or an MRI for the abdomen and pelvis. 

TREATMENT

Treatment of the source of kidney pain relies on the real underlying cause; however for pain, ibuprofen, ketorolac, and/or acetaminophen are typically used in general. However, antibiotics are typically needed if a bacterial infection is the underlying cause of the pain. 

Some people may naturally resolve their kidney pain and its cause but other patients may need surgery. 

This can be avoided by preventing such situations that are the root causes of kidney infection and/or kidney injury.

The prognosis for those with kidney pain depends on the cause and when treated rapidly and properly, most patients will recover.