25/11/2024
Pain Always Means a Kidney Problem
Fact: While kidney problems can sometimes cause discomfort, pain is not always a reliable indicator of kidney issues. In fact, many serious kidney conditions, including chronic kidney disease (CKD), do not cause pain in the early or middle stages. Kidney pain, when it does occur, is typically felt in the flank area, which is the region of your back or side, just below the ribs. This is where the kidneys are located, so any pain you might experience in this area could be related to kidney issues.
However, it’s important to note that kidney disease often progresses without noticeable pain. For example, conditions like chronic kidney disease or polycystic kidney disease often don’t cause pain until they are in later stages, or in some cases, never cause pain at all.
Kidney stones or kidney infections are exceptions because they can indeed be very painful. With kidney stones, sharp, intense pain is common when the stones move through the urinary tract. Similarly, a kidney infection (known as pyelonephritis) can cause pain, fever, and discomfort in the back or side. These conditions are more likely to prompt someone to seek medical attention due to the severity of the pain.
On the other hand, many kidney diseases are silent and don’t show symptoms until significant damage has occurred. This is why regular check-ups and kidney function tests are so important. Routine blood tests (like serum creatinine and eGFR) and urine tests can help detect kidney problems early, often before any noticeable symptoms or pain arise.
So, while pain can sometimes indicate a kidney problem, the absence of pain does not necessarily mean the kidneys are healthy. Always consult a healthcare professional if you’re concerned about your kidney health, even if you don’t experience pain.
Book your check up appointment with Dr Mitesh Singh today👨⚕
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