What are the major Causes of Kidney Pain
What are the major Causes of Kidney Pain
There are many causes of kidney pain. Some are minor, like infection, while others can be more serious. You should seek medical attention if you experience kidney pain. If you experience fever, severe pain, bloody urine, paleness, rapid breathing, decreased urine output, and sweating, you should contact your doctor immediately. Some causes of kidney pain can also affect other parts of the body. Read on for more information. Listed below are some of the most common causes of kidney pain.
Infection
The symptoms of a kidney infection are fever, persistent pain, and a change in urination. While there is no cure for a kidney infection, most cases require antibiotics to stop the infection and prevent it from spreading. Patients who are particularly susceptible may require painkillers. Some individuals will need surgery or to correct a birth defect, which can lead to blockage in the urinary tract. Once the infection has been treated, the patient should feel well within two weeks.
The most common causes of kidney pain due to infection include urinary tract infections (UTIs) and cysts. Symptoms can be detected with a cystoscope and blood tests. If kidney infections persist or are caused by urinary tract problems, a urine culture may be required. Kidney pain that is consistent and causes blood in the urine may be indicative of a kidney infection. A cystoscope can help identify the underlying cause.
Kidney stones
While a few types of stones can be removed through surgery, many other stones pass naturally on their own. Depending on their size, you can wait four to six weeks before seeking medical attention. However, if the pain you experience is more manageable than you would like, you can take pain medication or take a stronger pain reliever. Your healthcare provider may recommend some blood tests or dietary changes to determine the best prevention methods.
A stone can range in size from small pebbles to large golf balls, but the pain they cause is the same regardless of size. Whenever they start to irritate the kidney, they begin to hurt. Fortunately, kidney stones pass without causing any permanent damage. Small kidney stones can be treated with pain relievers or surgically removed. If the stone becomes too large and is causing significant discomfort, a kidney specialist may recommend other treatment options, including a nephroscopy.
Pyelonephritis
Antibiotics are a standard treatment for people with acute pyelonephritis. The type of antibiotic used depends on the bacteria found. If no specific bacteria are identified, broad-spectrum antibiotics are used. These drugs can cure an infection in two to three days if taken properly. Patients must take these antibiotics for the entire prescription period, usually 10 to 14 days. Although antibiotics can help you recover from kidney pain, they are not always effective, and your doctor may want to take you to the hospital.
A urinary tract infection usually begins in the lower urinary tract, where bacteria multiply and travel to the ureters and kidneys. If the infection spreads to the bloodstream, it can lead to severe kidney pain and scarring. Infections caused by E. coli are often the cause, but they can also spread to the kidneys by other organs. Acute pyelonephritis can also be caused by an abnormality in the urinary tract.
Chronic kidney disease
If you experience pain and swelling around the kidneys, it is likely you have chronic or acute renal failure. Diagnosing and treating the condition requires close collaboration with a doctor. Kidney biopsy is one way to determine the cause of the condition. This procedure involves inserting a thin tube into the bladder through the urethra. The doctor can then examine the tissue to determine the type and degree of damage to the kidneys. If kidney disease is suspected, your doctor may recommend further tests, including a urine analysis and a kidney biopsy.
To control the symptoms of chronic kidney disease, your doctor may recommend that you follow a diet that lowers potassium, sodium, and protein intake. You may also be prescribed diuretics to treat the symptoms and control blood pressure. There are several classes of diuretics, including loop diuretics, thiazides, and potassium-sparing diuretics. These medications can cause further damage to the kidneys, so be careful with them. In severe cases, diuretic use may result in angioedema, which is swelling of the subcutaneous and submucosal tissues. This can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention.