Kidneys are essential, bean-shaped organs positioned below the ribs on either side of the spine. Their primary role involves filtering waste and excess water from the blood, which is then expelled as urine. Beyond filtration, kidneys maintain fluid and electrolyte balance, regulate blood pressure, and produce vital hormones for bone health and red blood cell production.
Kidney Disease: A Silent Killer
According to Dr. Mohan Patel, a Consultant Nephrologist and Transplant Physician at Manavta Hospital, Nashik, kidney disease is frequently referred to as a “silent killer.” This is because early stages often present no noticeable symptoms. Diabetes and high blood pressure are identified as leading causes of kidney deterioration. Initially, kidney damage may not cause any pain or discomfort, making diagnosis challenging without specific medical tests.
Therefore, individuals with diabetes or high blood pressure are strongly advised to undergo regular blood and urine tests, even if they feel completely healthy. While early disease might be painless, certain kidney-related issues, such as kidney stones, infections, or tumors, can cause pain.
Identifying Referred Pain and Other Symptoms
The pain associated with kidney problems does not always manifest directly in the kidney area; it can be “referred pain” felt in other parts of the body. For instance, an obstruction in the ureter—the tube connecting the kidney to the bladder—caused by a kidney stone or tumor can lead to sharp pain extending from the back to the lower abdomen, thigh, or even private parts. This condition is known as ureteric colic.
Often, kidney-related pain is experienced in the lower back and mistakenly attributed to muscle strain. However, it is crucial to seek medical attention if this pain is deep, persistent, and accompanied by other symptoms like fever or changes in urine. Abdominal pain could also indicate a kidney infection or abscess. In severe cases of kidney failure, swelling around the heart can occur, leading to chest pain. Diabetic patients should also be aware that leg pain, burning sensations, or swelling could signal kidney impairment.
Medical experts stress that while early kidney disease is typically painless, any emerging pain should not be dismissed. Individuals at risk of kidney disease should prioritize timely health check-ups rather than waiting for pain to appear, as early detection is key to preventing severe kidney damage.
