Kidney Ache
Facts About Kidney Ache
Your kidneys are located on either side of the spine in the lower back region and if you are experiencing pain there, you may have a kidney ache. The kidneys have a single main function and that is the production of urine. They also regulate blood pressure and electrolytes and they reabsorb amino acids and glucose. They can help with the production of hormones and erythropoietin and excrete unhealthy wastes.
A kidney ache can be felt on either side of the lower back and the pain can extend to the sides of the waist. The reasons for a kidney ache can vary and this all depends on the medical issue the person is suffering from. This means that this condition is a symptom if a bigger problem and that will have to be addressed before the pain can stop. There are several conditions that can cause a kidney ache.
One of the most common reasons for a kidney ache is a kidney infection or urinary tract infection. This is when the urethra or bladder becomes contaminated by bacteria, then the infection can travel to the kidneys. A kidney infection is considered dangerous because if it is left untreated the infection can enter the bloodstream. This can not only make the sufferer very sick but it can also be fatal. The symptoms of a kidney infection can include stomach pain, a burning sensation while urinating and abdominal pain. All of these symptoms can be accompanied by a high fever. Blood or pus can also be seen in the urine and this is called a hematuria. Women seem to suffer from kidney infections more than men do. The female urethra is actually much shorter than a man's and it is also closer to the anal opening. Both of these things increase the risk considerably in females.
Kidney stones can not only cause a kidney ache but the pain can be felt throughout the lower parts of the back and in the stomach. Renal lithiasis or kidney stones happen when calcium, minerals and salts adhere themselves to the inner kidney. Normally, they do not pose a problem but when the urine is concentrated it can make these substances crystallize and turn into a stone form. When a person passes one or more kidney stones, the pain can be extreme. There is usually no need for medical attention but a pain reliever may be prescribed for a sufferer. After the stone is passed, the pain ceases and the condition is done. But it is recommended that anyone who suffers from kidney stones should try and pinpoint where the problem started. It may be from a poor diet or not drinking enough water and correcting these problems can help the condition from reoccurring. The symptoms include extreme pain throughout the lower half of the body, nausea and vomiting and passing urine that has a bad odor.
Any time a pain is felt in the lower back area for a long extended period of time, it should be assessed by a doctor for possible damage to the kidney.