What Are The Reasons For Your Kidney Pain
There is no single answer to the question of why the kidneys can hurt. It is worth noting that this organ rarely brings any concern; therefore, you should take such a symptom very seriously. However, there are many myths about why the kidneys can hurt. It is widely believed that due to wearing too open clothes that do not cover the back, the cold can “chill the kidneys”. This and other similar beliefs are false.
In addition, the situation gets complicated as many people are not able to accurately determine the area in which pain occurs. As a result, people wonder why their kidneys hurt, while in reality, the pain occurs in a completely different organ.
What Causes Pain In Kidneys?
The kidneys are a vital organ. They are mainly responsible for filtering the blood and keeping it clean and chemically balanced. This paired organ processes about 190 liters of blood per day and removes about two liters of waste in the same period.
They are located behind, in the lumbar region, just below the ribs, one on each side of the spine. When the kidneys hurt, you will feel it in the lumbar region, on the sides, or only on one side. However, not all back pain is caused by the kidneys.
Many kidney diseases are silent, without any noticeable symptoms. Reasons why kidneys can hurt range from the presence of stones to cancer. Below we will tell you about the most common causes of pain:
Alcohol Abuse
Drinking too much alcohol exerts extra pressure on the kidneys and makes them work harder. Alcohol abuse can lead to pain in the kidneys and other symptoms related to kidneys dysfunction. This is why it is important to quit alcohol addiction.
Despite the harmful consequences, alcoholism is a common problem among married people. According to statistics, 6% of married people suffer from addiction problems, which is quite high. It affects not only their health but also their relationship.
However, you can recover from addiction by getting professional help. So search for couples’ rehabs near me on your browser and get a list of all top treatment facilities located in your region. By quitting alcoholism, you will be able to restore your kidneys as well as overall health.
Stones In The Kidneys
Kidney stones cause severe pain or renal colic. Stones form as a result of the accumulation of substances present in the urine. Sometimes they are the size of a grain of sand, but they can reach the size of a pearl.
When stones are very small, they move freely through the urinary tract and pass naturally without any symptoms. On the other hand, moving a large stone causes severe pain. It comes on suddenly, is felt in the back or lower abdomen, and gets worse with movement.
Usually, the pain is localized on one side, but over time it descends to the groin and genitals. Changing positions does not help reduce discomfort. A person suffering from this condition also experiences nausea, vomiting, and burning when urinating.
Dehydration
Due to lack of water in the body or dehydration, a person can feel pains in the kidneys. It happens as waste builds up in the kidneys, causing a blockage. As a result, one or both kidneys can hurt. There can be several causes of dehydration, such as:
- Too much sweating
- Diarrhea
- Frequent urination
- Vomiting
- Diabetes
- Not drinking enough water
Therefore, it is important to drink enough water according to the body’s needs. If you find it difficult to plain water, you can add lemon or honey to it. Such drinks will nourish the body with enough fluid and are also healthy.
Kidney Infection
Another cause of kidney pain is an infection. It most often starts in the urethra or bladder and then spreads to the kidneys, which can cause permanent damage to these organs. And if the infection enters the bloodstream, it can be life-threatening.
One of the symptoms is severe and persistent back pain, as well as pain and burning when urinating. There are frequent urges, and the urine acquires an unpleasant strong odor. Often, a person suffering from the infection also experiences nausea, vomiting, fever, and chills.
Polycystic Kidney Disease Or Cyst
A cyst in the kidney may not cause any symptoms for a long time until it reaches a significant size. In this case, there is severe pain in the back and/or its lower part. Another symptom is headache and blood in the urine.
Polycystic kidney disease is associated with a genetic disorder that forms clusters of cysts. They grow and interfere with the normal functioning of the body. Cysts cause pain in the side or back and often contribute to stones and infections.
Other Reasons For Kidney Pain
The kidneys can also hurt due to hydronephrosis. This is nothing but inflammation of the kidney due to the accumulation of urine. This disease causes severe back pain, in addition to blood in the urine and fever. Pain can also be caused by renal vein thrombosis. This is a serious problem that causes severe pain in the back, under the ribs, and in the hips.
Injuries and bumps can also lead to kidney pain, as can the pregnancy condition. In the latter case, this is due to changes in the position of the spine due to the weight of the abdomen. Back and abdominal pain accompanied by hematuria (blood in the urine) may be a symptom of kidney cancer.
Take Away
Kidneys can hurt for various reasons. We mentioned some of the major causes of kidneys pain above in this article. Therefore, if you experience severe pain in your kidneys, it is definitely a good reason to consult a doctor. After all, any kidney disease should be treated as soon as possible to avoid serious consequences.