If you have a kidney infection, it is most likely to cause pain or discomfort in your lower back, in the area around the base of your ribs. The pain may come in spasms, and it can be so severe that it may interfere with your daily activities.
You may also experience pain in the groin area and along your urethra. Additionally, you may have urinary frequency, urgency, burning, or discomfort when you urinate. You may also feel tired, nauseous, and have a fever.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention right away, as a kidney infection can lead to a more serious condition if not treated promptly.
What does a kidney infection feel like and where does it hurt?
A kidney infection (pyelonephritis) can be quite painful and can cause a range of symptoms. It is caused by a bacterial infection that has spread to the kidneys from a bladder infection, or from another part of the body.
The pain related to a kidney infection typically starts in the lower back, along the side(s) or mid-back and sometimes radiates to the sides of the abdomen. The pain usually feels dull and achy and may be worse when the person urinates or when they are in a seated position.
Nausea and vomiting may be present, and some people may have fever and chills. Other symptoms include fatigue, cloudy and foul-smelling urine, difficulty urinating, and frequent urges to urinate, even when the bladder feels empty.
Where does a kidney infection start hurting?
A kidney infection, also known as pyelonephritis, usually starts with localized pain in the area of the kidney. This pain is usually felt in the side or lower back, right below the ribs. Other symptoms may include fever, nausea, vomiting, and fatigue.
As the infection progresses, the pain may worsen and spread to the groin area and sometimes down the leg. Additionally, some people also experience dull aching and an overall feeling of being unwell.
It is important to seek medical attention if you experience any of the above symptoms as kidney infections can cause serious complications if left untreated.
What are the warning signs of kidney infection?
The warning signs and symptoms of a kidney infection typically include:
• Pain in your side, back, or groin
• High fever
• Chills
• Urinating more often than usual, including being unable to hold your urine
• Strong-smelling and cloudy urine
• Blood in your urine
• Pelvic pain in women
• Nausea and vomiting
• Tiredness
• Pressure or discomfort in your rectum
If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your doctor right away. Kidney infections are serious and can lead to kidney damage, so it’s important to get the right diagnosis and proper treatment.
Does kidney infection pain come and go?
Yes, kidney infection pain can come and go. The pain might start mild and then gradually become more intense. It is typically located in the side, lower back or groin area. Symptoms can include a fever, chills, and pain when urinating.
Other symptoms may include loss of appetite, nausea, and fatigue. The pain can be an intermittent, dull ache that may come and go and is usually worse at night. It is important to seek medical help so that an accurate diagnosis can be made and treatment can be started.
Treatment usually involves antibiotics to clear the infection. In rare cases, the infected kidney might need to be surgically removed.
When should you go to the ER for kidney pain?
If you are experiencing severe kidney pain or severe pain accompanied by other symptoms, it is advisable to seek immediate medical help from an emergency room. Additionally, if your kidney pain is sudden, acute, or persists for more than two days, then a more thorough evaluation is also recommended.
Other signs that you should seek emergency medical help for kidney pain include nausea and vomiting, fever, difficulty urinating, blood in your urine, increased or decreased urine output, chills, or an inability to keep any liquids down.
If you have any of these symptoms or are uncertain of the cause of your pain, it is best to seek medical help.
Finally, if you experience any of the following, you should seek emergency medical help: extreme weakness or fatigue, chest or abdominal pain, or shortness of breath. These could be signs of a more serious condition, such as a kidney infection, a blockage in a ureter, a kidney stone, or a tumor.
A healthcare professional can best evaluate and diagnose the cause of your pain.
How do I know if its kidney pain?
Kidney pain can be difficult to diagnose, as its symptoms can vary and be similar to those caused by other medical conditions. However, there are certain common signs and symptoms associated with kidney pain that can help you determine if you may have a kidney issue.
Often, kidney pain is described as a dull ache that is felt in your lower back area and sometimes in your side, just beneath your rib cage. Other symptoms that may indicate you are experiencing kidney pain include nausea and vomiting, pain when you urinate, high fever, chills, a general feeling of being unwell, and more.
If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, it is best to consult with a medical professional. They will be able to perform tests and examinations to determine if the pain indeed is due to kidney issues.
Additionally, they may provide you with advice on how to manage the pain and any underlying condition that may be causing it.
What does it feel like when your kidneys hurt?
When your kidneys hurt, it’s usually described as a dull, throbbing sensation originating from the lower back, below the ribs. It may cause an increase in pressure and a sensation similar to a constriction.
It may also feel like an internal burning or pulling sensation. Other symptoms that may accompany a kidney issue include nausea and vomiting, fever, chills, frequent urge to urinate, especially at night, a burning sensation while urinating, cloudy and foul-smelling urine, and painful and swollen feet and ankles.
In addition, the pain in your side or lower back may be worsened when you take deep breaths, and it may be very sensitive to touch. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms and think that your kidneys may be causing the pain, it’s best to contact your doctor for further assessment.
How can I check my kidneys at home?
It is not possible to accurately check your kidneys at home without professional assistance, as many factors that can affect the health of your kidneys require complex testing and examination. However, there are some signs and symptoms of potential kidney problems that can be monitored at home.
The best way to check your kidneys is to look out for symptoms such as increased urination, particularly at night; darker, cloudy or foamy urine; pain or pressure in your side, lower back or abdomen; swelling of your feet, ankles and legs; shortness of breath; and fatigue or drowsiness.
If you notice any of these signs or changes in your urine, it is important to contact your doctor for further evaluation.
It is also important to make certain lifestyle changes to help your kidneys stay healthy, such as: exercising regularly; eating a balanced diet low in sodium, fat and cholesterol; avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption; managing any existing chronic health conditions, such as diabetes and high blood pressure; and drinking plenty of water.
Regular check-ups, both at home and with your healthcare provider, can help to ensure your kidneys remain in good health.
How to tell the difference between back pain and kidney pain?
The main difference between back pain and kidney pain is their location. Back pain is localized around the lower back and can radiate up towards the shoulders. It is typically caused by muscle strain, tension or injury.
Kidney pain, however, is usually located around the lower ribs, near the waist on either side and can radiate down the flank to the groin area. It is most often caused by an infection or a kidney stone.
Other characteristics also help differentiate between back pain and kidney pain. Back pain is typically dull or achy, but may be sharp or stabbing in certain cases. Kidney pain is usually sharp or cramping and may have associated nausea or fever.
Additionally, while back pain typically gets worse with physical activity, kidney pain usually stays the same regardless of activity level. As a general rule, if the area of pain is below the ribcage and is accompanied by nausea and fever, it is likely to be kidney pain, and should be checked out by a medical professional.
What causes kidneys to hurt?
There are a variety of possible causes for kidney pain. Kidney pain is usually caused by a problem or disease that involves the urinary tract, such as:
• Kidney stones: Tiny crystals can form in the urinary tract, which may become lodged in the ureter or bladder, causing pain.
• Urinary tract infection (UTI): Bacteria can travel through the urinary tract, or bladder, and cause infection, leading to pain.
• Enlarged prostate: This can lead to blockage of the urethra, which can cause pain in the back or lower abdomen.
• Kidney disease or damage: A variety of underlying health issues can cause kidney damage, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and dehydration. This can lead to pain.
• Kidney cancer: Undiagnosed kidney cancer can cause pain in the back, side, or groin.
• trauma or injury: Accidents, falls, or sudden impacts can cause kidney pain.
It is important to seek medical attention if you are experiencing pain in the kidneys, as it can be an indication of a more serious issue.
What should I do if my kidneys hurt?
If your kidneys hurt, then you should seek medical advice/treatment from a qualified physician as soon as possible. The pain from kidney issues can be caused by a variety of illnesses and health conditions, such as kidney stones, urinary tract infection, glomerulonephritis, polycystic kidney disease, and trauma.
A doctor will be able to accurately diagnose the cause of your pain and find the best way to treat it. Tests that could be performed include a physical examination, blood and urine tests, an abdominal ultrasound, and a CT scan.
Treatment may include antibiotics or other medications, or you may need to undergo a procedure. It is important to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully, and make lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of further kidney problems, such as limiting your intake of sodium, avoiding painkillers that contain ibuprofen or aspirin, drinking plenty of fluids, and quitting smoking.
Can kidneys hurt for no reason?
It is possible for kidneys to hurt for no apparent reason, though this is often a symptom of an underlying issue. Possible causes of kidney pain include urinary tract infections, kidney infections, kidney stones, enlarged prostate, or related health conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or anemia.
If you are experiencing unexplained kidney pain, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible for diagnosis and treatment. Severe or persistent kidney pain may require medical tests, such as blood tests, imaging studies, or a physical examination, in order to identify the cause.
Additionally, lifestyle modifications such as diet and exercise can help to reduce the risk of kidney pain and related health conditions.
Do I have a kidney infection or something else?
It is possible that you have a kidney infection, but it is also possible that you have something else. It is important to talk to a doctor in order to have a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Some of the common symptoms of a kidney infection, such as pain in your lower back and abdominal area, fever, nausea, and chills, could also indicate other issues, such as a urinary tract infection (UTI) or kidney stones.
To determine the cause of your symptoms, the doctor could perform physical and laboratory tests, such as a urinalysis, blood work, imaging tests, and a urine culture. The results of these tests will help create an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
If it is kidney infection, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics and recommend lifestyle changes, such as drinking lots of water and managing stress.
How to tell if you have a bladder infection or kidney infection?
It can be difficult to tell if you have a bladder or kidney infection because the symptoms can be similar. The best way to accurately diagnose and identify which infection you have is to visit your doctor.
However, there are some physical signs and symptoms to look out for that might suggest one type of infection or the other.
A bladder infection typically causes burning or stinging with urination, frequent urination, feeling like you need to urinate even after you have just gone, dark or cloudy urine, and strong smelling urine.
A kidney infection can also cause frequent and painful urination, but will often be accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, chills, nausea, abdominal or back pain, and feeling generally unwell. It is important to seek medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms as both bladder and kidney infections can quickly become much more serious if left untreated.