What You Need To Know
- The main 3 sources of colicky abdominal pain are the colon, biliary, and ureteric pain.
- Irritable bowel syndrome and acute gastroenteritis are the most common causes of waves of abdominal pain that come and go.
- Gall bladder waves of pain last longer and are more intense .
- Ureteric colic is very intense pain in the loin or the lower sides of your abdomen. It is usually caused by a stone in the ureter or kidney.
- Other less common causes of abdominal pain such as ovarian, uterine, and cancer pain are discussed in detail below.
How Will My Provider Determine The Cause Of Flank Pain
Your provider will examine you and gently feel the sensitive area. They will ask you where you feel pain and if it gets better or worse with certain activities. Tell them about any symptoms youre having in addition to flank pain.
Your provider may order several tests to look for signs of kidney stones, infection, injuries or disease. These tests include:
- Basic metabolic panel to be sure your kidney function remains normal and that there is no obstruction from a kidney stone.
- Complete blood test and urine tests, to see how your organs are working, check for infection and detect signs of cancer and other disease.
- CT scan or ultrasound, to look for kidney stones and check their size and shape.
- Cystoscopy, to diagnose problems in the lower urinary tract.
- Spine X-ray or MRI, to see detailed images of injuries or abnormalities in your spine.
Symptoms Of Kidney Stones
Kidney stones do not constantly cause symptoms. When theyre small, they may pass on their own without pain. However, big stones might obstruct urine circulation, which can cause a number of painful symptoms that can be severe.
This can happen when a kidney stone ends up being stuck in the ureter, which is the tube that connects your bladder to your kidneys. However, the size of the stone does not constantly represent the intensity of the pain.
In some cases, a kidney can lodge in a specific area in your kidney and cause discomfort. The pain a kidney stone causes can differ as it moves around in your kidney and down the ureter.
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Signs And Symptoms Of A Kidney Infection
Health Check Certified By: Dr. Gerald Morris
A nasty and uncomfortable kidney infection results when bacteria enter via the bladder and ascend to invade one or both kidneys. A kidney infection, medically known as pyelonephritis, wont cause serious kidney damage if treated early.
Here are the 11 most telling signs that youve fallen victim to a kidney infection
Treatment Of Kidney Infection
Most kidney infections need;prompt treatment with;antibiotics to stop the infection damaging the kidneys or spreading to the bloodstream.
You may also need painkillers.
If you’re especially vulnerable to the effects of an infection , you may be admitted to hospital and treated with antibiotics through a drip.
Most people who are diagnosed and treated promptly with antibiotics feel completely better after about 2 weeks.
People who are older or have underlying conditions may take longer to recover.
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When Should You See Your Doctor
Your doctor can determine the size of your stones using an imaging study. If they determine that its very large or youre having signs of severe infection, it may not be safe to attempt and pass the stone at home.
Lithotripsy is a procedure that includes the use of shock waves to separate the stone into smaller sized pieces. This makes the stone much easier to pass. If this doesnt separate the stone or the stone is in a location where lithotripsy might not work, your doctor can use more invasive methods.
This consists of inserting an unique scope called a ureteroscope into your urethra. Your doctor will advance it upward till they access the stone. Another procedure, known as percutaneous nephrolithotomy, includes making a small incision in your back to access the kidney and get rid of the stone.
You must look for emergency treatment for your kidney stone if any of the following occurs:
- You have a fever or chills, which can indicate the existence of infection.
- You stop producing urine.
Causes Of Kidney Infection
A kidney infection usually happens when bacteria, often a type called E. coli, get into the tube that carries urine out of your body .
The bacteria travel up to your bladder, causing cystitis, and then up into your kidneys.
E. coli bacteria normally live in your bowel, where they cause no harm.
They can be transferred from your bottom to your genitals during sex or if you’re not careful when wiping your bottom after going to the loo.
A kidney infection can sometimes develop without a bladder infection. For example, if you have a problem with your kidney, such as kidney stones, or if you have diabetes or a weakened immune system.
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Risk Factors For A Kidney Infection
There are a few things that can up your risk factor of contracting a kidney infection, according to the Mayo Clinic, and some you have zero control over:
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Having avagina. The urethra, that small tube that carries urine out of your body, is shorter in people with vaginas than it is in people with penises. That makes it easier for bacteria to travel from outside your body into the bladder. Your urethra is also close to your vagina and anus, which opens you up to more chances that bacteria from one of those areas will get into your urinary tract.
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Having something blocking your urinary tract. That can be anything that slows down the flow of urine or makes it hard for you to fully empty your bladder when you pee, like a kidney stone.
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Having a weak immune system. Having an underlying medical condition like diabetes or HIV, or using medications that tamp down on your immune system, can increase your risk.
Other potential risk factors include having damage to the nerves around your bladder, using a urinary catheter for the first time, and having a condition like vesicoureteral reflux, which causes urine to flow the wrong way, the Mayo Clinic says.
Is It Safe To Take Antibiotics Long
While there are some common side effects and risk for creating antibiotic-resistant bacteria, it is safe to take antibiotics preventively under the guidance of your physician.
If you have recurring UTIs , you may benefit from a low-dose prophylactic antibiotic, Dr. Sussman said. Some may require intermittent treatment at the sign of symptoms, while others may require a single dose after sexual intercourse or when symptoms occur. However, its important you discuss the underlying causes with your doctor before being prescribed antibiotics prophylactically.
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What Is The Treatment For Kidney Pain
Kidney pain treatment depends upon the underlying cause of the pain. Infections and kidney stones that cause pain are typically treated with ibuprofen, ketorolac , acetaminophen , or sometimes with percentages of morphine .
However, these agents treat pain and not the underlying cause of pain. Nevertheless, some patients might spontaneously pass small kidney stones then be pain-free.
Infections like urinary tract infections and pyelonephritis typically need antibiotic treatments in addition to pain medications. If kidney stones totally obstruct a ureter or are about 6 mm in size or larger, they might need urologic surgery.
Usually, recovery time is quick if kidney stones are removed by retrograde surgical methods. Nevertheless, some severe kidney lacerations may require more substantial surgery. Recovery time for these surgical treatments varies from weeks to months.
Other underlying causes of flank pain might need similar pain management and concurrent treatments. Nevertheless, patients with known kidney problems and/or renal function compromise ought to not be treated with pain medications that are either filtered through the kidneys and/or might cause additional renal damage.
Symptoms Of Pancreatitis: Pain And Other Complications
The pain of pancreatitis occurs in a specific way and is a key symptom of the condition.
The pain of pancreatitis occurs in a specific way and is a key symptom of the condition.
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Pancreatitis is associated with pain and a handful of other symptoms, some of which can be severe. There are two types of pancreatitis: acute and chronic.
Gallstones;and alcohol are the two main causes of acute pancreatitis. With chronic pancreatitis, it’s been estimated that;up to 55 percent of cases;in the United States are due to heavy drinking or alcoholism.
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What Is A Urinary Tract Infection
Wondering where that burning comes from? A;urinary tract infection;happens when bacteria grow in the kidneys, bladder or urethra. The urethra is the tube that connects the bladder to the opening between the clitoris and the vagina so urine can exit the body.
Once the bacteria settle in, they wreak havoc and can cause a laundry list of UTI symptoms that include:
- Pelvic or abdominal pain.
- Feeling the urge to urinate even when your bladder is empty.
- Cloudy or reddish urine.
If the infection spreads to the kidneys or bloodstream, a woman may also experience:
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Middle back pain, a possible sign of kidney inflammation.
How does the urinary system work?
Explore the urinary system, its functions and its organs, including the kidneys, renal pelvis, ureters, bladder and urethra.
How Is Pancreatitis Diagnosed
As with most diseases, diagnosis of;pancreatitis;often begins with a medical history review and a physical examination.
Your doctor will also order a blood test and, possibly, one or more imaging tests, such as:
- Magnetic resonance imaging scan, particularly magnetic resonance;cholangiopancreatography, which visualizes the;biliary;and pancreatic ducts
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What Is Severe Pancreatitis
Acute pancreatitis is classified as mild, moderate, or severe.
Whereas mild or moderate pancreatitis lasts for days, severe;pancreatitis;can last;for a number of weeks.
Severe;pancreatitis, which occurs in;15 to 20 percent of acute;pancreatitis;cases,;can lead to multiple complications.
The first stage of severe pancreatitis is marked by organ failure that doesn’t subside on its own within 48 hours.
Scientists are still not sure exactly how this organ failure occurs, but they think that pancreatitis, being an inflammatory condition, sets off a chain reaction of inflammation that damages and compromises the systems related to or near the pancreas.
The lungs are affected first. Inflammation causes surrounding blood vessels to leak into the air sacs, and the fluid in the lungs makes it hard to breathe.
Respiratory problems caused by organ failure are;the most frequent complications;of acute;pancreatitis.
If organ failure is treated within a few days, the risk of dying is low. It’s been estimated that if the organ failure persists for a week or more,;there is a 1 in 3;chance of dying.
In severe pancreatitis,;the tissues in the pancreas die this is called pancreatic necrosis and often become infected. This complication occurs after organ failure has been detected. To prevent the further spread of infection, the dead tissue is frequently removed.
It is possible to have severe pancreatitis;with necrosis but without organ failure.
I Might Have A Uti What Should I Do Now
If you are experiencing the symptoms of a urinary tract infection, it is important to receive prompt medical care, said Dr. Shalev. These infections do not go away on their own, and homeopathic remedies rarely are enough. You will need proper medical treatment to ensure the infection doesnt travel up the system to reach the kidneys and become a full-blown kidney infection. Go to your nearest ER or come to Advance ER for fast, top quality care.
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When To See A Gp
See a GP if you feel feverish and have pain that will not go away in your tummy, lower back or genitals.
You should also see a GP if you have symptoms of a UTI that have not improved after a few days, or if you have blood in your pee.
Contact a GP immediately if you think your child may have a kidney infection.
If you cannot get a GP appointment and need urgent medical attention, go to your nearest urgent care centre .
If you do not have a local UCC, go to your nearest A&E.
Symptoms In Children And Elderly People
While the typical range of symptoms for a kidney infection applies to most adults, older adults and young children may have different symptoms.
If youre over age 65, you may experience none of the typical symptoms of a kidney infection summarized above. Instead, you may only experience problems with your thinking, such as:
- Confusion
- Hallucinations
- Difficulty speaking
Children under 2 years old with a kidney infection may only have a high fever.
Caregivers of very old and very young individuals should know to seek help when these signs or symptoms occur.
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Signs Of A Kidney Infection
What does a kidney infection feel like? According to the NIDDK, the most common kidney infections symptoms are:
Nausea
Vomiting
But depending on a persons age, they may not experience all of these kidney infection symptoms. Children younger than two may only experience high fever as a sign of kidney infections, the NIDDK says, and people older than 65 might only present with cognitive issues, like confusion, hallucinations, and disorganized speech.
Is There Anything I Can Do To Prevent A Kidney Infection
When it comes to preventing a kidney infection, its all about preventing UTIs that affect your urethra and bladder. Here are some ways you can help avoid an infection:
- Wipe from front to back. For women, this ensures bacteria from your anus doesnt enter your urethra.
- Drink plenty of water to help flush the urinary tract.
- Dont hold it. Use the bathroom when you need to go.
- Avoid using spermicide and diaphragms, and choose another form of birth control, such as lubricated condoms.
- Use the bathroom after sex to reduce bacteria that colonizes the urethra. There is no convincing data that it is effective, but it isnt harmful, Dr. Sussman added.
- Postmenopausal women who develop recurrent cystitis may benefit from vaginal estrogen to reduce vaginal dryness.
- Dont rely on over-the-counter remedies to treat your UTI, like cranberry juice or D-Mannose, to prevent a UTI or kidney infection. Several studies have shown no benefit with cranberry supplements or juice, Dr. Sussman said.
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Treatments For Kidney Infections
Kidney infections in men or women will typically require antibiotics. Donât rely on home remedies alone to take care of kidney infections.
Usually, doctors will prescribe empiric antibiotics to cover all the bases of potential bacteria that initially caused the infection until they can target the specific bacteria causing the infection.
A variety of available antibiotics are usually prescribed for at least a full week. Normally, you wonât require a stay at a hospital for a kidney infection if you can move around and consistently keep down oral antibiotics.
If you exhibit severe symptoms, including kidney infection symptoms or back pain, or cannot keep down the medication due to constant vomiting, you may be hospitalized so that your doctor may administer antibiotics and fluids intravenously.
Pregnant women are most at risk of needing such additional care and may be recommended to stay in the hospital for careful monitoring.
Other people that may require hospital stays as a result of kidney infections include those with sickle cell anemia, people aged 60 or over, patients in severe pain, and those experiencing severe vomiting.
If the kidney infection progresses enough to create an abscess in the kidney, you may require more serious treatment.
Discomfort In The Sides
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This is due to inflammation, Dr. Mohan says. The kidneys are covered with a capsule and it becomes engorged if there is an infection. The nerves of the capsule become activated and cause pain, Dr. Mohan adds. ;Some patients have complained of sharp pain just below the ribs where the kidneys sit. Sometime that uncomfortable feeling moves to the lower abdomen. That kind of pain is sometimes followed by tenderness.
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Where Is The Pain Of Pancreatitis Felt
The most common symptom of both acute and chronic pancreatitis is;pain in the upper abdominal area, usually under the ribs. This pain:
- May be mild at first and get worse after eating or drinking
- May become constant, severe, and last for several days
- Tends to worsen while lying down on the back and lessen while leaning forward in a sitting position
- Often radiates throughout the back
- Is not aggravated by movement
- Is not dull or located in the lower abdominal area
The abdominal pain may also differ depending on the cause of the pancreatitis.
The pain of;gallstone;pancreatitis, for instance, is usually sudden, stabbing, and may radiate to the back.
The pain of alcoholic pancreatitis, on the other hand, may develop more slowly and be less localized.
Cloudy Or Smelly Urine
One major difference between kidney infections and other vaginal issues is that kidney infections do not come with any discharge. So if youre experience discharge, you can rule out a kidney infection as the culprit. But you can have stinky or cloudy urine, says Leisman. Youre basically growing bacteria in there, which can sometimes create an odor or cloudiness, which is really just the bacteria and the white cells that youre seeing.
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Your Uretha Is Irritated After Having Sex
“I have many patients with urethritis after intercourse who believe they have UTIs, but when I culture before and after, the cultures are negative,” Rice says. People sometimes even call the UTI-like symptoms you can get from intercourse “honeymoon cystitis.”If this is what you’re dealing with, the symptoms should go away within a few days without antibiotics. “Often, if I prescribe natural supplements and bladder pain relief medications, the symptoms are limited to less than 24 hours,” Rice says. You should still consult your doctor, but don’t be surprised if they advise pain relief rather than antibiotics.