The kidneys are two small, bean-shaped organs located at the back of the upper abdomen, just below the lower ribs. One kidney sits on each side of the spine. Kidney pain, often called renal pain, typically presents as a dull, one-sided ache in the upper abdomen, side, or back.
What are the symptoms?
Kidney pain is typically a dull ache felt on just one side of the body. Because of the kidneys’ location, the pain may be felt in the upper stomach, side, or back. It is often accompanied by:
- Fever and body aches
- Urinary symptoms or pain when you pee
- Fatigue
- Blood in your urine
- Upset stomach or vomiting
Why does this disease occur?
Kidney pain can be caused by various health problems and diseases, including:
Kidney stones: Hard buildups of minerals and salt that form inside the kidneys
Kidney cysts: Fluid-filled pouches that form on or in the kidneys
Dehydration: When the body doesn’t have enough water and fluids to work as it should
Infections: Kidney infection, also called pyelonephritis
Blood issues: Bleeding in the kidney (hemorrhage) or blood clots in the renal vein (renal vein thrombosis)
Structural/Growth issues: Swelling in one or both kidneys (hydronephrosis), kidney cancer, or kidney tumors
Genetic illness: Polycystic kidney disease, which causes cysts to form in the kidneys
Physical Trauma: Kidney injury caused by an accident, a fall, or contact sports
Who is at risk of this disease?
The people at risk include individuals who:
- Experience physical accidents or falls
- Participate in contact sports
- Have a recent urinary tract infection
- Suffer from dehydration
- Have a genetic predisposition for kidney cysts
What are the possible complications?
Asymptomatic progression: You could have health problems like kidney cancer and not have pain until the disease is advanced
Silent conditions: It is possible to have cysts or tumors without any symptoms
Emergency risks: Sudden, serious pain may indicate a severe condition requiring immediate care
When should you see a doctor?
- Call your health care provider right away for constant, dull, one-sided pain in your back or side
- Ask for a same-day appointment if you also have a fever, body aches, fatigue, a recent UTI, pain when peeing, blood in the urine, or an upset stomach
- Get emergency care for sudden, serious kidney pain
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Where exactly are the kidneys located?
The kidneys are a pair of small organs in the back of the stomach area under the lower ribs, with one located on each side of the spine.
Q2. Does kidney pain always mean I have a serious disease?
Not necessarily, but the text notes that while pain in these areas often has other causes, it is important to see a doctor if the pain is constant or accompanied by fever and urinary symptoms.
Important Note: This information is for awareness purposes only. Please consult a healthcare professional for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
