Kidney pain on the right side: symptoms, diagnosis, treatment

The kidneys are a paired organ of the excretory system, which is located on both sides of the spine in the area of the last vertebra of the thoracic region and the first vertebra of the lumbar region. In this case, the right kidney is located slightly lower than the left, because it is displaced by the adjacent liver. Therefore, if the right kidney hurts, it is necessary to assume not only pathologies of the urinary organ, but also possible malfunctions in the functioning of other internal organs or problems in the spinal column. In the material below we will understand why it hurts on the right side in the lumbar and kidney areas and how to deal with it.

Important: it is worth knowing that the kidney tissue itself (parenchyma) does not have pain receptors. That's why she can't get sick. Pain occurs when a change in the structure of the parenchyma occurs due to its compression from the outside or enlargement of the pelvis inside the organ.

Possible causes of pain in the right kidney

Pain in the right kidney can be caused by both renal pathologies and pathological processes not related to the urinary organs.
Pain in the right kidney can be caused by both renal pathologies and pathological processes not related to the urinary organs. In the first case, the reasons may be:

Nephroptosis. Or, in simple terms, kidney prolapse. The weakened ligamentous apparatus allows the kidney to fall below its anatomical normal level, which causes pain in the right kidney.
Pyelonephritis. Inflammation of the pelvis of the urinary organ. In this case, their increase is noted, which leads to pain.
Pyonephrosis. Secondary pathology following pyelonephritis or urolithiasis. In this case, the organ tissue (parenchyma) simply melts, hence the pain in the kidney.
Urolithiasis disease. So, if the kidney on the right side hurts, then it is possible that a calculus has lodged in the pelvis of the organ, which is looking for a way out or is interfering with the normal outflow of urine.
Hydronephrosis. Overflowing of the cups or pelvis of the organ with urine.
Kurbuncle or abscess. These pathologies are localized in the renal parenchyma and are characterized by excessive purulent obstruction.
Kidney tumor. It can be either malignant or benign. But in any case, the tissues of the formation put pressure on the parenchyma, causing pain in the right kidney. A cyst also belongs to this type of pathology.
Renal artery stenosis.
Parenchyma rupture. Typically occurs due to injury or hydronephrosis.
Parasites in the kidneys. Helminthic infestations can deposit their waste products in the kidneys, thereby causing malfunctions in their functioning.

Non-renal pathologies and causes of pain in the area of the right organ include:

Inflammation of the appendix;
Problems with the reproductive organs in women;
Pathologies of the large intestine;
Diseases of the gallbladder and pancreas;
Diseases of the spine (lumbar and thoracic);
Liver diseases and pathologies occurring with it.

Important: in any case, an accurate diagnosis must be made by a specialist, based on differential diagnosis.

Risk group

Prevention of pain in the area of the right kidney is indicated for those who have a number of pathologies: diabetes mellitus, hypertension, autoimmune and chronic infectious diseases.

It is important to note that it is important to take into account that the risk group includes those people who have a genetic predisposition to kidney disease.

Preventive examination of the renal system is indicated for older people. Women over 50 years of age and men over 55 years of age should undergo regular examinations.

Also, a similar recommendation applies to those who have been taking nephrotoxic drugs or antibiotics for a long time.

Symptoms and signs of kidney pathologies

If the pain in the right kidney is caused exclusively by renal pathologies, then along with the pain syndrome there will be an increase in body temperature.
If the pain in the right kidney is caused exclusively by renal pathologies, then along with the pain syndrome the following signs will be noted:

Increase in body temperature to a critical level of 39 degrees;
Change in the color and transparency of urine (dark/cloudy);
Presence of blood in the urine;
Increased blood pressure, which cannot be reduced even with antihypertensive drugs;
Nausea and possibly vomiting;
Changes in diuresis (frequent or, conversely, rare urination);
Change in the volume of urine excreted at a time;
Burning in the urethra when going to the toilet;
Skin rash and headache;
Swelling of the face and limbs.

Important: renal pathologies may be characterized by both the manifestation of all the listed symptoms at once, and their isolated phenomena in the form of only a few clinical signs. It all depends on the characteristics of the patient’s body.

How to determine if your kidneys are hurting

In order not to confuse unpleasant sensations with back pain, you need to know about the peculiarities of the manifestation of the symptom. What to do, how to check and determine if the kidneys are hurting? Recommendations:

Think about what might have caused you to get sick. If you understand that you have been engaged in heavy physical labor, have been in an uncomfortable position for a long time, there is a high risk of diseases of the lumbar muscles and spine. If you are hypothermic, this indicates that the organ of the urinary system is not in order.
The urinary organ is mainly disturbed at night, rarely during the day, and painful sensations in the musculoskeletal system occur periodically, more often after movement.
Pain in the urinary organ is accompanied by specific symptoms: constant thirst, temperature, changes in urination, loss of appetite.

Find out in more detail what a kidney cyst is - symptoms and treatment of the disease.

The kidneys are a unique organ that works continuously throughout life. 24 hours a day, the kidneys actively distill blood several times, cleanse it of toxins, and remove excess moisture from the body, redirecting it to the appropriate tubules.

The structure and position of the organ is no less unique. Unlike other paired organs, the kidneys are located asymmetrically - one is slightly higher than the other. The difference in position gap depends on the characteristics of human anatomy, age and type of activity.

Due to this interesting situation, when the kidneys hurt, the pain radiates to a variety of parts of the body - the back, stomach, lower back.

Interesting! In fact, the kidneys are located above the lower back, almost in the middle of the back.

To determine where the organ is located, you need to feel the lower rib with your finger and draw an even line from the edge of the rib back strictly parallel to the thigh.

Pain differentiation

If it is the right kidney or the tissues around it that hurts, then to determine an accurate diagnosis it is advisable to first differentiate the pain syndrome. Thus, renal pain, according to the nature of its manifestation, can be:

Sharp and piercing;
Aching and prolonged;
Blunt;
Pulling (while subsiding when changing body position);
Paroxysmal (rolling in waves).

Sharp stabbing pain

This type of pain syndrome may indicate inflammation of appendicitis.
This type of pain syndrome may indicate the following problems in the body:

Causes of tingling in the kidneys: diagnosis and treatment

Inflammation of appendicitis. As a rule, this pathology is one of the few that gives the clinical picture of an “acute abdomen.”
Stones in the kidneys. Especially if the stone has begun to move through the urinary tract. In this case, the pain will radiate to the right leg, to the groin and even to the genitals.
Renal embolism. Or simply thrombosis of a kidney vessel. This condition is very life-threatening for the patient and requires urgent hospitalization.

It's a dull pain

In most cases, all renal pathologies of an inflammatory nature are expressed at the very beginning of the course of the disease by aching pain. This type of pain syndrome may indicate the course of one of the following diseases:

Hydronephrosis. Moreover, the more enlarged the pelvis of the urinary organ is, the more pronounced the pain will be.
Nephroptosis. The pain may intensify when the patient's body is in a vertical position and subside when the patient is horizontal.
Pyelonephritis. In this case, the patient has pain in the right kidney and the temperature rises to 39-40 degrees.

Blunt pain

In most cases, this type of pain syndrome indicates changes in the kidney tissue (parenchyma).
In most cases, this type of pain syndrome indicates changes in the kidney tissue (parenchyma). So, if the kidney on the right side hurts and symptoms in the form of blood in the urine make themselves felt, perhaps some benign or malignant formation is localized in the organ. It is worth noting that any small tumors or cysts do not make themselves felt, since the kidney tissue does not have pain receptors. And only when the tumor enlarges, the organ suffers from compression and responds with pain.

Drawing or paroxysmal pain

This type of pain in the kidney on the right may indicate the following pathologies:

Stagnation of urine in the pelvis of the organ. At the same time, the patient feels a tug not only in the lumbar region, but also radiates to the leg.
Cyst. With such a formation, it can hurt not only in the area of the kidney, but also in the area of the peritoneum in front.
Liver pathologies. Especially with an enlarged liver, which puts pressure on the right kidney.

Nutrition for kidney disease

Diet No. 7 is indicated for the development of nephrotic syndrome, chronic renal failure and glomerulonephritis. Other kidney diseases do not require dietary restrictions. In such cases, it is recommended to limit consumption only of salt, seasonings, spices, and alcohol.

A diet for kidney disease involves limiting the intake of protein foods. Protein metabolism causes the formation of nitrogenous wastes, which are poorly processed by “sick” kidneys and begin to accumulate in the blood. But still, protein is a building material in the formation of body cells, and it is not recommended to completely exclude it from consumption. Protein-rich foods that should be included in the diet: lean meats, eggs.

Salt consumption is limited only when kidney pathology is accompanied by increased blood pressure and swelling. In such cases, there is no need to salt food and you should completely stop consuming store-bought sausage, smoked meats, pickles, marinades and all those products that contain a large amount of salt.

Diet is one of the main methods of preventing kidney disease. Thus, it is recommended to consume sufficient quantities of fruits, vegetables, herbs, strawberries, cucumbers, and watermelons. It is worth limiting the consumption of fermented milk cottage cheese and cheese, meat, chocolate, especially if there is a risk of kidney disease.

And, of course, the main rule for preventing kidney disease is a timely visit to a doctor when the “first signs” appear. Only in this case will it be possible to talk about a favorable prognosis after treatment of any ailment.

Diagnostics

In order to make the most accurate diagnosis, a specialist will examine the patient and palpate the kidneys and peritoneum.
If the right kidney also hurts and the patient does not know what to do, then it should be remembered that self-treatment is fraught with serious consequences. It is necessary to go to the hospital as soon as possible. Here the task of the attending physician is to make an accurate diagnosis. To do this, the specialist will perform the following activities in order to make the most accurate diagnosis:

Interview the patient to collect the most detailed medical history;
Examine the patient and palpate the kidneys and peritoneum;
Prescribe blood and urine tests;
Perform an ultrasound of the kidneys and abdominal organs.

In addition to these measures (if no pathologies of the urinary system are identified), a specialist may prescribe the following procedures:

MRI of the spine;
X-ray of the kidneys;
Angiography of the urinary system;
Kidney urography.

Where are the kidneys located?

According to statistics, most patients cannot explain what hurts and causes discomfort. To determine the disease, you need to know where the unique organ of the urinary system is located, working 24 hours a day. The kidneys are located on the posterior wall of the abdominal cavity, behind the peritoneum. Determining their location is simple: if you put your palms on the sides of your waist, put your thumbs up, their tips will be located above the organ.

As a rule, the right one is located below the left, but the boundaries may vary depending on the pressure of the liver and the structural features of the body. The organ works continuously: it pumps blood through itself several times a day, cleanses it of waste and toxins, promotes the formation of urine and excretion through the appropriate channels. In addition, it participates in metabolic processes and internal pressure. If their operation is disrupted, all of these systems begin to malfunction.

Treatment of pathologies that cause pain in the right kidney

Pain syndrome will be treated in a hospital depending on its cause.
Pain syndrome will be treated in a hospital depending on its cause. In this case, the treatment method may involve either exclusively conservative treatment or surgical treatment.

What to do if your kidneys are not working well: symptoms and diagnosis

Surgical intervention is indicated in cases where the patient’s health and life are in obvious danger. That is, the patient has pathologies in the form of a tumor of any quality, hydronephrosis is noted, there is a large stone in the pelvis or ureter, or other pathological processes occur with nearby internal organs. It is worth understanding that if the patient is in critical condition and the kidney is incapacitated, then the patient is indicated for an organ transplant.

Conservative treatment is carried out if the patient has acute or chronic inflammatory processes. In this case, drug therapy will be aimed at eliminating the pain itself and neutralizing the causes that caused it. As a rule, antibiotics, antihypertensive drugs, diuretics, antispasmodics, anticoagulants and drugs for immunosuppressive therapy are prescribed. Along with medication treatment, the patient is prescribed a diet and drinking regimen.

Other types of kidney diseases

Much less common are kidney diseases such as:

Nephrosis is characterized by the presence of destructive processes in which destruction and degeneration of parenchymal tissue occurs and its partial replacement with adipose tissue. In the absence of comprehensive treatment, they can cause disability and death.
Nephroangiosclerosis develops very slowly, most often accompanies chronic hypertension. The kidney ducts become blocked due to high cholesterol levels in the blood.
Hydronephrosis - occurs against the background of dysfunction of the outflow of urine. In this case, the kidney increases in volume, causing acute pain.
Nephroptosis is a pathological condition in which the kidney is mobile and is able to slightly change its spatial position. It develops mainly in women after prolonged labor and weakened abdominal muscles.
Goodpasture's syndrome is an autoimmune disorder that provokes the active production of antibodies that attack capillaries and provoke bleeding.

To reduce the risk of developing kidney diseases, you should eat right, drink only pure mineral water, and also lead an active lifestyle.

How often should you undergo a preventive examination?

Persons who have suffered from any of the kidney diseases should constantly monitor their health, follow a diet, and strengthen the body. It is necessary to be under the supervision of the attending physician.

For people who have suffered an acute illness, an examination once a year is enough. They conduct general clinical tests and ultrasound examinations. If patients are bothered by any complaints, the doctor can expand the scope of the procedures performed.

It is important for patients to remember about dispensary observation and recommendations for maintaining a certain lifestyle. Only this approach will help you maintain your own health and avoid relapses of various kidney diseases in the future.

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Prevention

To prevent the occurrence of pain in the right kidney, preventive measures are taken. They are:

Giving up bad habits.

Proper nutrition.

Compliance with drinking regime.

Playing sports.

Avoiding hypothermia.

Compliance with the rules of personal hygiene (which is especially important for female representatives, who often experience kidney inflammation due to anatomical features).

It should be noted that a number of medications, if taken uncontrolled, can cause pain in the area of the right kidney. Nephrotoxic medications include antibiotics, analgesics, cytostatics, anti-inflammatory nonsteroidal drugs, sulfonamides, and indomethacin. Therefore, such products should be used only as prescribed by a doctor and in the recommended dosage.

To exclude the development of pathology, it is recommended to periodically undergo a preventive examination, take blood and urine tests, and do an ultrasound.

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Drug treatment

When there is pain in the kidney on the right, the doctor may prescribe a number of medications. First of all, these can be anti-inflammatory drugs, antispasmodics, steroids and antibiotics. Additionally, medications are prescribed that have a diuretic effect. If the diagnosis shows that the organ is severely damaged, then the specialist may prescribe dialysis, which allows you to artificially cleanse the blood by introducing a special drug into the body.

Treatment of pain in the kidney on the right requires the patient to follow a special diet, which should be discussed in advance with your doctor. Under no circumstances should you eat fatty or highly salted foods.

What pain may indicate

In some cases, pain from inflammation of the appendix radiates to the lower back area.

Sometimes these symptoms are diagnosed in degenerative diseases of the spinal column, especially when the lumbar region is affected.

Pain syndrome may be caused by stenosis of the renal artery as a result of blockage by a blood clot or due to atherosclerosis.

There are many diseases of these organs that manifest themselves with similar symptoms.

Therapeutic measures

When acute pain is detected on the right side, illiterate patients begin to self-medicate, starting to take medications aimed at restoring the functional activity of the kidneys.

However, pain on the right side in the lumbar region may be associated with bowel movements. As a result of this, the patient simply loses precious time necessary for effective treatment of the affected organ.

Only a doctor knows what to do, what medications to take and in what dosage.

Drug treatment in most cases is characterized by a long period. In addition, complex treatment is carried out, since very often one pathology inextricably accompanies another.

For example, a problem with the intestines, which results in pain in the lumbar region, is accompanied by pathologies of the spleen.

Inflammatory processes provoke severe pain in the lower abdomen, but they tend to manifest themselves in an acute form and then gradually subside.

The absence of pain does not mean that the inflammation has stopped; it continues to develop, taking on more serious forms.

In this regard, doctors prescribe anti-inflammatory and antibacterial therapy and explain what to do if severe attacks of pain in the right region reoccur.

Throughout the course of treatment, doctors prescribe strict adherence by patients to a diet that prohibits the consumption of spicy, salty, and sour foods.

It is also recommended to lead a healthy lifestyle and observe recommended physical activity.

It is very important to prevent the occurrence of additional infections and colds, which can only complicate the situation and cause even more serious complications.

It is not recommended for patients to increase their drinking regime until an accurate diagnosis has been established, since in some pathologies such a water load can only be harmful.

Treatment of diseases through traditional medicine is not rejected. However, each action must be coordinated with the attending physician, who will be able to build a treatment regimen so that one method does not interfere with or neutralize the effect of the second.

A urologist can tell you how to make healing decoctions that help strengthen the immune system and have a beneficial effect on the affected organ.

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Surgical intervention

Surgery may be required if the disease is severe. Surgery is used very rarely; it may be required in the following cases:

If urolithiasis worsens and the ureter becomes completely blocked by stones.
When malignant tumors form, some types of benign tumors sometimes have to be removed.
For acute forms of pyelonephritis that are not amenable to drug treatment.
In case the organ undergoes purulent processes or purulent cystic neoplasms are diagnosed.

It is important to accurately determine the reasons. Pain in the kidney on the right can be treated with medication, but only if the disease has not progressed to the last stage.

Chronic and hereditary kidney diseases

Symptoms of hereditary kidney diseases on both sides appear immediately after birth. Sometimes the disease can be detected after a few years, but in any case, if the child’s parents had kidney problems, it is necessary to immediately conduct an examination and in the future it is advisable to take more vitamins and lead an active and healthy lifestyle. If symptoms do appear, it is worthwhile to undergo medical treatment.

The pathological condition of the kidney becomes chronic due to an untreated disease. Some people, experiencing pain in the kidney area, ignore all symptoms and do not go to the hospital for help. Against this background, a chronic form develops, which is extremely difficult to get rid of. Therefore, it is necessary to take your own health seriously.

To determine the form of the disease, doctors prescribe blood and urine tests. A radiological examination and biopsy of the diseased kidney are also performed. With a thorough blood test, kidney function, protein and red blood cell counts are calculated. Using blood, hormonal and immune tests are performed, based on which the condition of the kidney is assessed with extreme accuracy.