What A Kidney Ache May Indicate

Your kidneys are located on either side of the spine in the lower back region. If you are experiencing pain there, you may have kidney ache.

Kidney Functions

The kidneys' main function is the production of urine.

They also regulate blood pressure and electrolytes, and reabsorb amino acids and glucose.

Additionally, they can help with the production of hormones and erythropoietin and excrete unhealthy wastes.

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 kidney ache can vary, and it is dependent on the medical issue the person is suffering from.

There are several conditions that can cause kidney ache:

Kidney Infection And Urinary Tract Infection

One of the most common reasons for kidney ache is a kidney infection or urinary tract infection. This is when the urethra or bladder becomes contaminated by bacteria; 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

High fever

Blood or pus in the urine (hematuria)

Women seem to suffer from kidney infections more than men. 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

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. After the stone is passed, the pain ceases and the condition is cured. But it is recommended that anyone who suffers from kidney stones try and pinpoint where the problem started. It may be from a poor diet or not drinking enough water.

Correcting these problems can help the condition from reoccurring. The symptoms include:

Extreme pain throughout the lower half of the body



Passing urine that has a bad odor

Kidney Ache Due To Alcohol Consumption

Alcohol can do extensive damage to the kidneys and liver. When a person consumes too much alcohol for a long period of time, this can cause kidney ache or even kidney failure.

Your kidneys regulate fluids and electrolytes within the body. Alcohol can have a negative effect by causing these fluids to be off balance. This can result in kidney malfunction and can have an effect on a lot of other areas of the body and on other organs.

Over time, if the person does not quit consuming alcohol altogether, the kidneys will not function and this can be fatal.

Any time pain is felt in the lower back area for an extended period of time, it should be assessed by a doctor for possible damage to the kidney.

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