How is kidney pain treated?
Kidney pain treatment depends on the condition that’s causing it. For example, if you have kidney pain due to an infection, your healthcare provider will prescribe antibiotics. If you have kidney pain due to stones, then you may need to have treatment to remove them.
Advertisem*nt
What tests can help determine the cause of kidney pain?
In order to pinpoint a cause, a number of tools are available to help your healthcare provider make a diagnosis:
- Urinalysis: This test checks for the presence of blood, white blood cells (which would point to an infection), proteins and certain molecules that are linked to various kidney disorders.
- Imaging tests: Ultrasound or a CT (computed tomography) scan can provide images of the physical structure of the kidneys and urinary tract. It can also tell your healthcare provider if stones are present and determine if urine flow is adequate.
What should I do if my kidneys hurt?
If you have kidney pain that doesn’t go away, the first thing you should do is call your healthcare provider to schedule an appointment or go to the emergency room if you have symptoms such as uncontrolled pain, severe nausea or vomiting, fevers or chills, or an inability to pee. In the meantime, here are some things you can do to ease discomfort:
- Stay hydrated. Drinking lots of water will help flush bacteria from your urinary tracts. Avoid caffeinated drinks and alcohol.
- Use heat. Place a heating pad on your back, abdomen or side to help reduce kidney pain.
- Take pain relievers. To ease fever or discomfort, take over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen (unless you have known liver or kidney damage and are not supposed to use these medications).
What drinks are bad for the kidneys?
In general, water is the best. Drinks that are high in sugar can lead to diabetes and those with lots of salt or caffeine can cause dehydration, both of which can lead to kidney damage over time.
