The kidneys are vital organs that maintain the body’s systems by regulating water and mineral balance. Located in the lower back region, the kidneys are situated on the right and left sides behind the peritoneum. The right kidney is slightly lower than the left due to the presence of the liver. Using filtering units called nephrons, the kidneys remove waste, primarily urea, from the body by excreting it with water. Thus, they play a significant role in the excretory system.
What is Kidney Pain?
Kidney pain is a discomfort felt in the sides of the lower back, abdomen, and back. In some cases, kidney pain can also be felt in the genital areas. It can be caused by physical trauma, infection, or illness. While kidney pain is usually felt on one side of the body, it can occur on both sides in cases of kidney function disorders. Since the kidneys are surrounded by many organs, discomfort or pain from nearby organs can often be mistaken for kidney pain.
Therefore, examinations, tests, and imaging are used to confirm the source of the pain. Given the importance of the kidneys, any observed pain should not be ignored, and medical attention should be sought.
What Are the Symptoms of Kidney Pain?
The primary symptom of kidney pain is discomfort radiating from the sides to the lower back and abdomen. This pain can feel like cramps, spasms, or a stabbing sensation. Often, it is accompanied by fever and nausea. Other symptoms of kidney pain include painful urination, blood in the urine, foul-smelling urine, bowel discomfort, vomiting, fatigue, dizziness, and chills.
Since these symptoms can be confused with other illnesses, a doctor’s evaluation is essential to determine whether the pain originates from the kidneys.
What Causes Kidney Pain?
Kidney pain can be caused by infections in the kidneys or surrounding organs, kidney diseases, or physical problems involving the kidneys. Causes related to physical injury or trauma might occur during sports activities such as football or basketball, or due to work accidents.
Pyelonephritis, a kidney infection, is often caused by bacteria from the digestive system. Bacteria traveling to the kidneys via the urinary tract can cause infection and result in kidney pain. One of the most common causes of kidney pain is kidney stones, which form from accumulated salt and mineral deposits in the kidneys. Small stones can be excreted through urine, leading to a painful condition known as “passing stones.” Larger kidney stones, however, are more challenging to pass and cause severe kidney pain.
Another formation in the kidneys is kidney cysts, which can be benign or malignant. Small cysts may not cause symptoms, but if they grow and burst, they can lead to infection, kidney pain, and fever. A genetic condition known as polycystic kidney disease can cause cysts to form in both kidneys. If there is damage to the glomeruli, which are the kidneys’ filtering units, glomerulonephritis can occur, leading to impaired kidney function. This can result in kidney pain, infrequent urination, high blood pressure, and even kidney failure.
Another condition causing kidney pain is hydronephrosis, where urine accumulates in the kidneys due to a blockage in the urinary tract, causing the kidney to swell. Hydronephrosis, often associated with kidney stones, leads to frequent but small amounts of urination and symptoms like kidney pain, fever, and urinary incontinence.
How Is the Cause of Kidney Pain Diagnosed?
To diagnose the cause of kidney pain, a doctor first conducts a physical examination. After the examination, lab tests are usually requested. A urine test is used to check levels of blood, leukocytes, urea, and protein in the urine. In some cases, urine tests may not provide enough information, and radiological imaging options are considered. Ultrasound or CT scans may be requested to determine if the issue is related to cysts, kidney stones, or other physical damage.
What Helps Relieve Kidney Pain?
Drinking plenty of water is undoubtedly the best remedy for the kidneys. In addition to staying well-hydrated, keeping the feet warm is an essential precaution against kidney pain. There are also various herbal teas and drinks known to relieve kidney pain. Some herbal remedies include:
- Parsley Water: Known for its diuretic properties, parsley water is beneficial for cleansing the kidneys.
- Celery Juice: Blend celery stalks with water to help remove toxins from the body. Celery juice is useful because it eliminates toxins that can form stones in the kidneys.
- Basil Water: Add half a bunch of basil to one liter of hot water and let it sit until it cools down. Drink one to two glasses a day. Basil water aids in both dissolving kidney stones and preventing their formation.
- Lemon Water: Lemon water is effective in breaking down kidney stones, making it safe to consume if you don’t have blood pressure problems. You can prepare it as lemonade and drink 2-3 glasses a day.
- Wheatgrass Juice: Wheatgrass juice, beneficial for kidney pain, should be consumed in amounts of no more than 30 ml.
- Dandelion Tea: Dandelion tea has diuretic properties and is also helpful for gallbladder issues.
- Corn Silk Tea: If kidney pain is caused by an infection, corn silk tea can help alleviate the discomfort.
- Watermelon Seed Tea: Brewed with warm water, watermelon seed tea has diuretic effects that aid in cleansing the kidneys.
How Is Kidney Pain Treated?
Once the cause of kidney pain is diagnosed, the appropriate treatment is administered. Treatment options for the conditions causing kidney pain include:
- Kidney Infection: Kidney infections, which are often bacterial, are treated with the appropriate antibiotics.
- Kidney Stones: Small kidney stones can be passed by drinking plenty of water. For larger stones, lithotripsy, a procedure using shock waves to break the stones, may be used. The doctor may also use ureteroscopy to locate and remove small stones. Larger stones can be reduced with lithotripsy or dissolved with medication.
- Polycystic Kidney Disease: While kidney cysts often do not require treatment, medication is used in polycystic kidney disease to slow the progression. Healthy eating, avoiding excessive weight gain, and staying well-hydrated are also essential.
- Kidney Tumor: Surgery is performed depending on the size and location of the kidney tumors. If the tumor is small or located on the outer part of the kidney, only the tumor is surgically removed. For larger tumors in the kidney’s center, the entire kidney may need to be removed. In some cases, radiotherapy alone or combined with surgery may be necessary.
- Glomerulonephritis: Acute glomerulonephritis often resolves on its own, while chronic glomerulonephritis is persistent. Treatment is aimed at reducing symptoms, such as controlling blood pressure with diuretics and reducing potassium and salt intake. If the condition progresses to kidney failure, dialysis becomes the treatment option.
- Atherosclerotic Renal Artery Stenosis: A condition seen when the cardiovascular system is not healthy, it can be treated with medication and dietary adjustments. If necessary, surgery can be performed to open the artery.
This content provides a detailed overview of kidney pain, its causes, and possible treatments, with an emphasis on both medical and natural remedies for relief.