Flank pain refers to a condition in which pain is felt between the back and the upper portion of the abdomen. Sometimes, this pain can be associated with nausea, fever, vomiting and bloody urine. Fortunately, the causes of flank pain can be treated.
Kidney Infection
A kidney infection is a type of urinary infection that affects the urethra, bladder and kidneys. Specific symptoms of kidney infection include flank, groin or abdominal pain and frequent urination. A kidney infection can also lead to bloody or pus-contained urine and a burning sensation when urinating.
Bacteria enter the urinary system and lead to a kidney infection. Risk factors for developing a kidney infection include having a weakened immune system, being female, having problems with the urinary tract and having damage to nerves near the bladder.
Treating a kidney infection involves taking antibiotic medications to destroy the bacteria. Sometimes, hospitalization may be necessary to administer intravenous antibiotics.
Kidney Stones
Kidney stones are a cluster of calcium crystals that accumulate within the urinary tract. Symptoms of this condition include flank, groin or testicular pain, nausea, vomiting, bloody urine and chills. Risk factors for developing kidney stones include dehydration.
Treating kidney stones involves drinking at least six to eight glasses of water each day. Sometimes pain relievers such as ibuprofen can also be taken. Medications such as allopurinol, antibiotics, diuretics, sodium bicarbonate or sodium citrate can also be used to manage kidney stones.
Perirenal Abscess
A perirenal abscess refers to a collection of pus that occurs around one or both kidneys. It is associated with such symptoms as flank pain, a fever, chills and sweating.
A urinary tract infection typically leads to a perirenal abscess. Sometimes, kidney stones actually block the urinary tract and allow bacteria to accumulate, leading to a perirenal abscess. Additional risk factors for developing a perirenal abscess include trauma, diabetes and an abnormal urinary tract anatomy.
Treating a perirenal abscess involves draining it via a catheter and using antibiotics.
