Even though COVID-19 mostly affects the lungs, it can seriously harm your kidneys and other organs as well.

Wondering if you could get kidney pain if you’re suffering from Covid-19?

Even though kidney pain isn't a typical symptom of Covid-19, you must understand the possible association and know what to do if you feel any kidney pain.

This blog explores the connection between kidney pain and COVID-19, providing you with information and tools to manage this issue.

Is COVID-19 Often Associated with Kidney Pain?

Here’s what you need to know.

• Severe COVID-19 infection may result in kidney damage, a dangerous and potentially fatal consequence.

• In order to preserve homeostasis, filter and balance blood, and control numerous other vital bodily processes, the kidneys are essential.

• Reduced urine output, swelling in the legs, ankles, and feet, and dyspnea are a few indicators of kidney damage caused by COVID-19.

• Dialysis or medication may be used as part of the COVID kidney treatment plan.

The SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19, has the ability to seriously harm the lungs as well as other important organs like the kidneys. Severe COVID cases are frequently linked to kidney damage. Elevated protein or blood in the urine and abnormal blood work are indicators of kidney damage and issues in COVID-19 patients. Comprehending the intricate and diverse effects of COVID-19 on the kidneys is imperative for the appropriate handling and therapy of individuals infected with the virus.

Possible Causes of Kidney Pain in COVID-19

When you have kidney pain during or after contracting COVID-19, there are a few possible causes to consider.

Here they are:

Acute Kidney Injury (AKI):

This abrupt and transient deterioration in kidney function can be brought on by blood clots, inflammation associated with COVID-19, or even direct kidney infection.

Dehydration:

The symptoms of COVID-19, such as fever, vomiting, and diarrhea, can cause dehydration, which strains the kidneys and increases discomfort.

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI):

COVID-19 can make you more susceptible to infection by lowering your immune system and increasing the need for catheters while you're in the hospital. Lower back or abdominal pain can be a symptom of urinary tract infections (UTTIs).

When to Seek Medical Attention

It's important to get medical help right away if you have any of the following worrying symptoms in addition to kidney pain, even though mild kidney pain may go away on its own:

• Fever

• Chills

• Nausea and Vomiting

• Blood in the Urine

• Difficulty or painful urination

• Swelling in the ankles, feet, or face

• Confusion or disorientation

How Long May Kidney Pain From COVID-19 Last?

The effects of COVID-19 on the kidneys are not confined to the initial stages of the disease. Even after recovering from the acute stage, COVID-19 patients may continue to have chronic kidney issues. Those who have been hospitalized because of the COVID-19 virus have a particularly high incidence of COVID-related kidney pain. Six months after being hospitalized with COVID-19, 35% of patients in one study still had reduced kidney function.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD), which is characterized by a progressive loss of kidney function over time, may strike certain patients. Although the incidence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in COVID-19 patients is unclear, it is thought to be higher than in the general population.

Diagnosis and Treatment

If you suspect a COVID-19-related kidney pain, your doctor will likely perform various tests, including:

Urine output measurement over a 24-hour period:

Monitoring your urine output can help your doctor figure out why you are experiencing kidney failure.

Urinalysis:

Analyzing a urine sample can reveal anomalies that could point to renal failure.

Blood tests:

Urea and creatinine levels, which are markers of kidney function, may rise quickly in your blood analysis.

Imaging tests:

To see your kidneys, diagnostic imaging techniques like CT and ultrasound scans may be used.

Kidney tissue biopsy:

Your physician might suggest a kidney biopsy in specific circumstances. This procedure entails taking a tiny sample of kidney tissue for examination in a lab. To take a sample for the biopsy, a needle is inserted through the skin and into the kidney.

Treatment for COVID-19-related kidney pain depends on the underlying cause. In most cases, supportive measures like hydration, pain medication, and monitoring are sufficient. However, in more severe situations, additional interventions like dialysis or specific medications may be necessary.

Precautionary Measures You Can Take

You can also take the following actions to safeguard yourself:

• If you'll be around non-family members who aren't vaccinated, wearing a mask both indoors and outdoors (you can ask your doctor what's safe for you once you're fully vaccinated).

• Hand washing frequently

• Avoiding contact with sick people

• Steer clear of big crowds whenever you can

• If you already have kidney disease, you have an increased risk of developing serious illness from COVID-19. It is therefore even more crucial that you receive the COVID-19 vaccination as soon as possible.

Who Is Most At Risk for Kidney Complications?

Various studies have looked into risk factors for developing AKI or other kidney issues due to COVID-19. Based on the findings of these studies, potential risk factors for kidney issues from COVID-19 may include:

• Having more severe COVID-19 illness

• Older age

• Pre-existing kidney disease, such as chronic kidney disease (CKD)

• Other preexisting health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or cardiovascular conditions

• Black race, potentially due to disparities in healthcare access or to socioeconomic inequalities

FAQ

1. Can a mild case of COVID lead to renal issues?

Absolutely, especially in those with pre-existing kidney disease or other underlying medical conditions, even mild COVID-19 infections can cause kidney problems. The kidneys are among the many issues that COVID-19 can cause to arise throughout the body.

2. Is pain in the kidneys a sign of COVID?

Although not frequently experienced, kidney pain is a possible symptom of COVID-19 in certain individuals. Numerous symptoms, including those pertaining to the kidneys, such as acute kidney injury (AKI), which is a sudden and frequently transient loss of kidney function, can be brought on by COVID-19.

3. What is the kidney's reaction to COVID-19?

Multiple connections have been found by researchers between COVID and renal pain. Viral hematologic thrombi may also specifically target kidney cells. Moreover, pain and failure may result from oxygen deprivation. Kidney tissue can also be harmed by an overreaction of the immune system.

4. How common is it to have kidney complications due to COVID-19?

The frequency of kidney complications due to COVID-19 is not yet completely understood. However, it’s known that COVID-19 can lead to acute kidney injury (AKI). According to some studies, AKI can occur in 3-9% of hospitalized patients with COVID-19, and this risk is higher in patients with pre-existing kidney disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure.