Many people experience back discomfort when unwell and wonder if their kidneys are involved. This sensation can be confusing, as back pain has various origins. Understanding why your kidneys might hurt during an illness and what to do can help alleviate concerns and guide appropriate actions.
Understanding Kidney Pain
The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs located just below the rib cage, on either side of the spine. They sit against the back muscles, which can sometimes make it difficult to distinguish kidney pain from general back pain. Kidney pain is typically felt higher and deeper in the body than most back pain, often under the ribs to the right or left of the spine.
This pain may manifest as a dull, constant ache or a sharp, severe pain that comes in waves. While back pain often affects the lower back and might lessen with changes in position, kidney pain is usually constant and may radiate to the abdomen or groin area. It can occur on one side if only one kidney is affected, or on both sides if both kidneys are involved.
Common Causes of Kidney Pain During Illness
Illnesses can stress the body, sometimes leading to kidney discomfort. Dehydration is a common reason, often accompanying fever, vomiting, or diarrhea. When the body lacks sufficient fluids, blood flow to the kidneys decreases, hindering their ability to filter waste effectively. This forces kidneys to work harder, producing concentrated urine and potentially increasing kidney stone risk.
Infections are another cause. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can ascend from the urethra or bladder to the kidneys, causing pyelonephritis. Symptoms include fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, and a dull, aching back or side pain. Viral infections can also cause generalized body aches perceived as kidney pain, or directly affect kidney function, potentially leading to acute kidney injury.
Inflammation from infections elsewhere can also impact kidney health. For instance, post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis occurs when an immune response to a bacterial infection, like strep throat, inflames the kidney’s filtering units (glomeruli). This can impair kidney function, leading to pain, swelling, and changes in urine output.
Existing kidney conditions can also become more symptomatic during illness. Kidney stones, hard deposits of minerals and salts, cause intense pain as they move through the urinary tract. Dehydration or inflammation during illness can exacerbate kidney stone symptoms. Illnesses can also increase new stone formation risk due to fluid balance and urine concentration changes.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While mild kidney discomfort may resolve, certain symptoms indicate a more serious issue requiring prompt medical evaluation. Seek medical attention if kidney pain is severe or worsens progressively. High fever, chills, or persistent sweats accompanying kidney pain are concerning signs, suggesting a possible infection needing immediate treatment.
Other symptoms include persistent nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, which can lead to significant dehydration and further kidney stress. Any changes in urination, such as blood, cloudy or foul-smelling urine, or painful urination, warrant medical assessment. Swelling in the legs, ankles, or face, reduced urine output, dizziness, or confusion alongside kidney pain can also signal impaired kidney function or other complications. If kidney pain lasts more than a few days without improvement, consult a healthcare provider to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.
Supporting Your Kidneys During Illness
Once serious symptoms are ruled out by a medical professional, general measures can support kidney health during illness. Staying hydrated is important; adequate fluid intake helps kidneys flush waste and prevents dehydration. Drinking water, clear broths, or electrolyte solutions aids fluid balance, especially with fever, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Rest is also beneficial, allowing the body to recover, which indirectly supports kidney function. For pain management, acetaminophen is a suitable over-the-counter option for kidney discomfort, taken at the lowest effective dose and within recommended daily limits. Avoid NSAIDs like ibuprofen or naproxen if kidney issues are suspected, as they can affect kidney function, especially with pre-existing conditions. Avoiding alcohol, excessive caffeine, and highly processed foods during illness can also reduce kidney burden and support overall recovery.