A kidney ache could be a symptom of a serious problem, and if left unchecked can lead to complications. If ever you or anyone you know experiences pain where the kidneys are located, you must consult a doctor immediately. You should not ignore such symptoms.
But are there occasions when an ache in the lower back is mistaken for kidney ache? How can a kidney ache be distinguished from other pains in the same area?
Well, an aching kidney is definitely derived from the kidney. You see, pain located in this region is generally experienced in the flank area, located in the back, just at the lower edge of the ribs on either side of the spine area.
This kind of ache has a tendency to be sharp and excruciating and it is characterized by extreme stiffness, especially in the mornings.
Lower back pain on the other hand, can be influenced by several causes. For example, regular injuries sustained at the work place, bad posture and incorrect lifting methods are just some of the most prevalent causes. Other causes could be found in disease and illness.
Three common Causes of Kidney Ache?
Kidney Stones:
Kidney stones are one of the most common causes of kidney pain. A kidney stone is a solid piece of objects that forms in a kidney when there are high levels of high levels of calcium, oxalate, and phosphorus in the urine.
The kidney stone pain actually comes when the stone is passed by the person. Many times a kidney stone will get stuck in the ureter on the way from the kidney to the bladder.
This blockage of the ureter is what causes the severe pain. The flow of urine from the kidney to the bladder gets blocked which causes the kidney to swell with waste, which causes it to stretch beyond it should, which is why one suffers excruciating pain from kidney stones.
Surgery is usually needed if the stone is too large to pass on its own, the stone is growing, the stone is blocking urine flow and causing an infection or kidney damage, the pain cannot be controlled.
Kidney Infection:
Kidney pain can also be caused by an infection in the kidneys. The medical name for a kidney infection is pyelonephritis. This causes inflammation of the kidney tissues, which makes it swell to an abnormal size. When the kidney gets stretched like that it causes a person sharp pain in their back.
Often the symptoms of a kidney infection come on quickly within a few hours. You can feel feverish, shivery, sick and have a pain in your back or side. A kidney infection can be treated with antibiotics immediately to prevent it from permanently damaging the kidney.
You can reduce risk of developing a kidney infection by simply keeping your bladder and urethra free from bacteria by consuming the recommended ounces of water and changing your diet by limiting your intake of protein, potassium rich foods, and sodium.
Obstruction in Urine Flow:
There are instances when a person may suffer from a blocked urine flow that is not connected to kidney stones. This may be a gradual blockage which builds up over time. This is the rare case were a person may feel a dull pain at first, but as time goes on it will get more severe.
Symptoms and signs of obstruction are often mild, occurring over long periods of time and requiring a high index of suspicion for diagnosis. Early recognition and treatment are the keys to preventing renal loss.
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