The kidney is a very important organ in the human body. Acting as filter system of the blood it makes sure that unnecessary substances are excreted in urine. Moreover various hormones which also have a substantial influence on our body are produced and activated in the kidneys. Healthy and properly functioning kidneys are not noticed by us, which, however, changes within short, if the organs in the upper abdomen have developed a disease. A dull pain which mostly appears spasmodically is one of the first symptoms.
A lot of persons are frequently not aware of the pain originating from their kidneys. The kidneys are located on either side of the spine and level with the bottom of the ribcage. As the pain most of the time radiates downwards, it is often misinterpreted as backache. Contrary to backache, pain in the kidneys, however, mostly occurs spasmodically or intermittently and independent of any movements.
Causes of Pain in the Kidneys
There are numerous causes of pain in the kidneys which are not at all restricted to a usual inflammation. Pain in the kidneys is very frequently due to the following health problems:
- Pyelitis: Most of the time it occurs as consequence of cystitis when the bacteria migrate from the bladder into the kidneys. Apart from having severe pain and a temperature, further typical symptoms of a pyelitis are shivers, bloody urine and frequent urge to urinate. Due to their short urinary tract particularly women suffer from pyelitis and cystitis.
- Nephroliths: Nephroliths cause pain because they block the way to the bladder. They result from crystalline deposits such as e.g. salt. Men suffer from this illness more often than women.
- Tumours of the kidney: Severe pain in the kidneys may of course be due to a tumour. It is important to know that a tumour is recognized only in the advanced stage as it does not cause any pain in the early stage.
- Cystic kidneys: This painful illness of the kidneys is genetic in most cases and may lead to kidney failure in the worst case.
- Glomerulonephritis: An inflammation of the renal corpuscles – which are also called “glomeruli“ – may be due to auto-immune diseases or various medicaments. Also in this case pain in the kidneys – partly severe! – occurs.
- Chronic kidney failure: This type of kidney failure is primarily caused by diabetes or high blood pressure, but may also be due to long-lasting pyelitis and medicaments. Pain, foaming or bloody urine and water retention in the legs are typical symptoms of a chronic kidney failure. Quite often this illness, however, goes unnoticed.
- Acute kidney failure: An acute kidney failure may be caused by nephroliths, great blood loss, medicaments or vascular occlusion. The kidneys stop working within very short time, which may have drastic consequences for the body. It does not only react with pain in the kidneys, but also with other symptoms which unfortunately are not always clear. A stopped urine production, however, is unambiguously indicative for an acute kidney failure. In this case the life of the respective person is in danger.
- Menstrual pains: Some women who suffer from severe menstrual pains also complain of pain in the kidneys. This pain, however, is harmless and disappears at the end of the menstruation.
In case of pain in the kidneys it is a must to consult a doctor.
Apart from kidney problems which occur as menstrual pain and can be easily and clearly classified, pain in the kidneys should always be used as an opportunity to see a doctor. Inflammations, nephroliths as well as chronic and particularly acute failure of the kidneys are serious illnesses which may have severe consequences.
Kidney problems and kidney diseases which mostly cause severe pain can be avoided by following the advice given herein below:
- Always keep the kidneys warm.
- Drink a lot of water or unsweetened tea.
- Refrain from too much salt in your food.
If you take the signals of your body seriously and consult a doctor in time, kidney diseases can be treated mostly without any problems. It is of great importance to recognize that the pain is radiating from the kidneys instead of interpreting it as usual backache.
Picture: © Depositphotos.com / starast
Translated from German by Alexandra Dahmen (Writing Business)
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Über den Autor Maik Justus
Maik Justus wohnt mit seiner Familie in Bielefeld. Er beschäftigt sich überwiegend mit den Themen Gesundheit, Abnehmen, Fitness sowie Wellness. Sich selbst beschreibt er als sehr Ehrgeizig. Maik ist selbst überzeugter Gesundheitsfanatiker und Fitnessfreak. Maik ist Vater von 3 Kindern.
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