The kidneys are vital organs in the human body, and each person usually has two kidneys. The right kidney, like the left, is bean-shaped and about the size of a fist.

What will happen if something goes wrong in any one of the kidneys? Can we maintain our kidney health? Have you ever given it a thought?

MyKare Health is here to provide you information about the right kidney pain and its causes. We will also guide you to seek medical help for your kidney pain.

Before exploring more about the right kidney pain, let’s do a quick recap of kidney functions.

What Are the Functions of the Kidneys?

• They help in filtration of blood

• They maintain the fluid and electrolyte balance

• They help in blood pressure regulation

• They also maintain the acid-base balance in your body.

• The kidneys are central to maintaining the internal environment of the body and keep it stable.

• Any of these functions can get affected if your kidneys are not doing right. How would you identify that? Well, pain in any of the kidneys could be an indication of an underlying problem.

Common Causes of Right Kidney Pain

What might cause pain in your right kidney? In case you’re having it, some of the common causes may be as follows:

• Formation of solid masses in the kidney.

• Bacterial infection affecting the urinary tract, including the kidneys.

• Intense pain caused by the passage of kidney stones through the urinary tract.

• Swelling of the kidney due to the accumulation of urine.

Uncommon Causes Of Right Kidney Pain

There can be some uncommon causes too which not many are aware of.

• Pain may occur when there is a blockage of blood supply to the right kidney. Results in ischemia and tissue damage, leading to sharp pain.

• You may experience pain when there’s formation of a blood clot in the renal vein, affecting blood flow. This can cause right kidney pain and potentially lead to kidney damage.

• A type of kidney cancer that may affect your right kidney and cause pain as the tumor grows. It can include flank pain and blood in the urine.

• Collection of pus within the kidney tissue, often due to bacterial infection. This can cause localized pain and may be associated with fever.

• Infection of the kidney caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This can result in right kidney pain and other systemic symptoms.

When To Seek Medical Attention

• Seek immediate medical attention if you experience persistent or severe right kidney pain that doesn't subside.

• If right kidney pain is accompanied by symptoms like fever, vomiting, or blood in the urine, urgent medical evaluation is necessary.

• Any noticeable changes in urinary patterns should prompt a visit to a healthcare provider.

• Fever alongside right kidney pain could indicate an infection, and medical attention is necessary to prevent complications.

• Pregnant individuals experiencing right kidney pain should seek medical advice immediately.

Diagnosis and Evaluation

• Your healthcare provider will begin by gathering information about your symptoms.

• A thorough physical examination allows the healthcare provider to assess unwanted signs around the kidney area. Blood pressure measurements are also needed.

• Blood tests, including a complete blood count (CBC) and kidney function tests provide insights into overall health and kidney function.

• A thin, flexible tube with a camera (cystoscope) may be inserted into the urethra and bladder to examine the lower urinary tract and detect any abnormalities.

Treatment Options

Wondering what are the treatment options for your right kidney pain? Here you go.

• Hydration

• Pain Medications

• Medical Expulsion Therapy (MET): Certain medications to facilitate the passage of smaller stones.

• Interventional Procedures: For larger stones, procedures like extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) or surgical removal may be considered.

• Antibiotics for infections.

• Surgical procedures may be necessary for certain conditions, such as removing cysts or tumors causing right kidney pain.

• Adjustments in diet, especially for individuals with kidney stones or certain kidney conditions.

Prevention Strategy

Optimum Kidney health can be maintained by bringing about certain lifestyle changes.

• Stay hydrated

• Have a balanced diet

• Go for regular exercise

• Control blood pressure

• Manage Diabetes

• Quit Smoking

• Limit alcohol consumption

• Do regular health check-ups

• Maintain a healthy weight.

Awareness of the causes, timely medical attention, and preventive measures will help you to maintain kidney health and address right kidney pain effectively.