What Causes Kidney Pain?

Kidney Cysts

A kidney cyst is a fluid-filled pouch with a round shape that develops inside of or on the tissues of the kidney. Kidney cysts that do not occur as a part of polycystic kidney disease are referred to as simple kidney cysts. Some kidney cysts produce no symptoms at all, while others that have grown to larger sizes can cause kidney pain in the back, upper abdomen, and side. Severe kidney pain may be attributed to an infected or ruptured kidney cyst, or one blocking the healthy flow of the urine, causing hydronephrosis. Most kidney cysts form due to unknown causes, but surface pouches or diverticulum that fill with fluid have been implicated. Diagnostic imaging tests such as MRI and CT scans can identify and distinguish a kidney cyst from other conditions that may cause pain in the kidneys. Blood tests that measure an individual's kidney function can help a physician determine if a cyst is causing impairment in kidney function. Some kidney cysts do not require treatment, while others need to be drained with a needle or surgically removed.

Kidney Infection

A kidney infection occurs when bacteria enter the urinary tract, infect the bladder, move up the ureters, and colonize in the tissues of the kidney. Kidney infections can be caused by numerous factors that allow bacteria to enter the urinary tract and colonize, including female physiology, kidney stones, toilet hygiene, urinary catheter use, enlarged prostate, urethral irritation, and weakened immune system. Symptoms that occur in an individual who has a kidney infection include nausea, vomiting, groin pain, pain with urination, diarrhea, shivering, or kidney pain in the or side.

If a kidney infection is accompanied by a bladder infection, the patient will likely experience bloody urine, burning or stinging during urination, frequent urination, lower abdominal pain, cloudy urine, foul-smelling urine, and an inability to empty the bladder completely. A physician can determine if an individual's kidney pain is caused by a kidney infection through a physical exam, pelvic exam, and urinalysis. Pain from a kidney infection usually resolves within forty-eight hours of beginning treatment with antibiotics.