Kidney pain with a cold

definition

Kidney pain is actually not a typical symptom of a cold. However, there are those affected who report that they sometimes also experience pain in the area of ​​the right and / or left kidney bed during a cold. This pain does not necessarily have to be real kidney pain. It can also be pain in the limbs, for example. Other possible causes are listed below.

Important is, if the pain persists one in one or both kidneys To see a doctor to clarify the complaints, as kidney pain also occurs potentially dangerous diseases as a Inflammation of the kidney pelvis (pyelonephritis) can suggest. In most cases, however, only one side is affected. Accompanying symptoms of kidney inflammation are common high fever and chills.

causes

As mentioned briefly above, pain in the kidneys is rather untypical with a normal cold. Especially when it hurts on both sides where the kidneys are suspected, it is usually a bit different. For example, the relatively typical body aches associated with a cold. Sore muscles (whether from previous exercise or from constant coughing during a cold) can cause pain in the muscles of the lower back or the lateral abdominal wall. Even a simple cystitis can sometimes lead to pain in the area of ​​the flanks (flank pain). A common cause of pain in the lower back is simple back pain, for example due to incorrect load, poor posture or degenerative processes in old age.

If the pain really comes from the kidneys or ureters, then in most cases it is kidney stones. However, pain associated with kidney stones is usually only found on one side. They can be located in the flank but also in the area of ​​the groin. The pain can wander. This is because the stone also slowly migrates through the urinary system.

Kidney inflammation can also be the cause of kidney pain. Here, too, it is mostly unilateral pain. The so-called knocking pain in the kidney bearing is typical, which means that it is very painful even if you carefully tap the area of ​​the flank where the affected kidney is located. Fever and chills are often associated with this disease, and a doctor should be consulted.

Read more on this topic at: Causes of Kidney Pain

diagnosis

Unless the Persistent and severe pain it should be considered that To choose a family doctor. This can be done using Medical history and physical examination decide which further diagnostics are necessary. Possible further steps would be, for example Blood collection to look at the kidney values ​​and the inflammation values ​​and a Ultrasound of the abdomen to be able to take a look at the kidneys. Also a X-ray image in order to assess whether the spine could be the cause of the complaints can be made. Investigations such as magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography are rarely used for kidney pain treated on an outpatient basis.

Concomitant symptoms

If the kidney pain occurs as part of a simple cold, the following also often occur:

  • Body aches
  • to cough
  • sniff
  • partially subfebrile temperatures (slight fever, 37.5 ° -38 ° C)
  • Exhaustion

Kidney pain associated with kidney stones is colic-like, so it comes and goes in waves. Hematuria may occur here, i.e. there is blood in the urine. As already mentioned above, fever and chills are often accompanied by inflammation of the renal pelvis.

If the cause of the pain is a back problem, limited mobility may also arise.

Right kidney area pain

Pain in the area of right kidney In addition to the above-mentioned causes (back pain, cystitis, cold, kidney stones, pelvic inflammation) also arise from diseases of the gallbladder, for example at one Inflammation of the gallbladder (Cholecystitis) or with Gallstones (Choledocholithiasis).

In the case of unilateral kidney pain, there must always be a Pelvic inflammation be thought. Indications can be a knocking pain in the kidney area as well as fever and chills. If you suspect a kidney inflammation, you should see a doctor as soon as possible.

Pain in the left kidney area

Pain of left kidney In addition to the causes listed above, the following can also be:

  • Diseases of the spleen: For example, a tear in the spleen, the so-called spleen rupture, this usually occurs after a trauma such as a traffic accident or after being subjected to blunt force
  • Gastrointestinal disorders: for example a Gastric ulcer, or an inflammation of the colon called Diverticulitis

have the cause.

Kidney pain with a cold - what to do?

If you experience kidney pain as part of a cold, you should first no panic come up. The victim should die Watch pain. If they persist over a longer period of time or if they become stronger, the treating family doctor should be consulted. Also for severe unilateral kidney pain it is advisable to go to doctor to go. To Relieving pain offer themselves Home remedies (see below).

Home remedies

A tried and tested home remedy for a cold with kidney pain is the use of warmth. For example in the form of a Hot water bottle or one Cherry stone pillow. Carefully applied to the affected area, heat can work wonders. It is important that hot water bottle / cherry stone pillow not too hot but are pleasantly warm. In rare cases does some of those affected Application of cold Well. For example, in the form of a cold pack wrapped in a towel. Help as further measures the usual remedies for a cold: Physical rest, warm tea and lots of sleep.

Duration of kidney pain with a cold

How long kidney pain lasts with a cold depends very much on where the pain is coming from. They can last for a few seconds or last for days. If the pain occurs as part of kidney stones (renal colic), it usually flows in and out in waves.