Kidney Pain: Causes And When To See A Doctor

Kidneys are one of the vital organs which work tirelessly to ensure that your body’s waste is filtered, balances the electrolytes, and regulates the blood pressure. So, if any of these processes goes wrong, your body often signals distress through significant pain. However, many people often confuse kidney pain with the back pain, muscle strain, or gastrointestinal issues. Hence, it is essential to understand the causes of kidney pain and know when is the right time to consult a doctor for a timely diagnosis and treatment. 

What Does Kidney Pain Feel Like?

The kidney pain is typically characterized with a sharp ache and discomfort on one or either sides of the lower back or the area just above the rib cage. This pain is different from the muscle pain which can be improved with some rest or change of posture. The kidney pain is usually persistent and may intensify depending on the underlying cause. Also, the kidney pain radiates to the lower abdomen or groin which is associated with the following symptoms,

• Fever and chills
• Nausea and vomiting
• Painful or frequent urination
• Blood in the urine (hematuria)
• Cloudy or foul-smelling urine

So, if you experience any of the above symptoms with intense back pain then it’s time to consult with the best nephrologist in Chennai.

Common Causes Of Kidney Pain

There can be numerous reasons that can trigger kidney pain which ranges from mild infection to more serious health concerns. So, here are the some of the most common reasons that causes kidney pain,

Kidney Stones

One of the major causes for kidney pain is kidney stones. These are the hard mineral deposits which are formed inside the kidneys. The pain for the kidney stones usually starts when these block the urinary tract causing an intense, sharp, and cramping pain which radiates from the back to groin. Also, this causes discomfort, which often comes in waves and may be accompanied by blood in the urine or nausea.

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

The Urinary Tract Infection or UTI can affect any part of the urinary system which includes the kidneys. So, when the infection spreads to the kidneys a serious condition arises causing back pain, fever, chills, and burning sensation while urinating. Hence, this condition is called pyelonephritis which requires immediate antibiotic treatment to prevent the further complications.

Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD)

The Polycystic Kidney Disease or PKD is an inherited disorder where fluid-filled cysts are formed within the kidneys. These become enlarged and lead to chronic pain causing high blood pressure and sometimes kidney failure. However, the cysts grow slowly causing discomfort which is persistent and becomes severe over time.

Kidney Infection

Kidney infection can also be the cause for kidney pain which is the result of the untreated UTI leading to a significant pain with fever, nausea, and fatigue. Also, the kidney infection may require immediate medical attention to prevent irreversible damage. 

Kidney Injury

Finally, an injury in the kidney can also cause kidney pain which is caused from the accidents, sport injuries, or falls. This pain after such events should never be ignored especially when they are accompanied by the blood in the urine or swelling.

When Should You See A Doctor?

An occasional back pain may not need a concern but if it is related to kidney accompanied with the above suggested symptoms then it may require immediate medical attention. So, seek the medical solution if

• The pain is intense or consistent
• You notice blood in the urine
• You experience nausea, chills, or fever
• You feel pain, or any unusual difficulty during urination
• You have the history of kidney stones or UTI

Hence, ignoring the symptoms can lead to severe complications, including permanent kidney damage or sepsis in the case of infections.

Therefore, if you are experiencing any back pain that is consistent, urinary discomfort, or any above suggested symptoms then get expert medical care from Sugam Hospital the best urology hospital in Chennai is well-equipped with the facilities to provide you the comprehensive kidney care right from diagnosis to advanced treatment options.

At Sugam Hospital, we have the best team of nephrologists and urologists who work together to identify the root cause of kidney pain. We have advanced diagnostic tools like ultrasound, CT scans, and blood tests for right evaluation. Also, we offer 24/7 emergency care for seamless treatment and recovery.