Flank Pain

Flank pain refers to discomfort or pain experienced in the flank area, which is the region between the ribs and the hip bone, on either side of the spine.

Causes of Flank Pain

• Kidney Stones: Small, hard mineral deposits that can cause severe pain as they move through the urinary tract.
• Kidney Infections: Bacterial infections that can cause inflammation and pain in the kidneys.
• Pyclonephritis: A type of kidney infection that causes inflammation of the kidney tissue.
• Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Bacterial infections that can cause pain and discomfort in the flank area.
• Musculoskeletal Issues: Strains or pulls in the muscles of the back, which can cause flank pain.
• Shingles: A viral infection that can cause a painful rash on one side of the body, including the flank area.
• Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas, which can cause severe abdominal and flank pain.
• Appendicitis: Inflammation of the appendix, which can cause pain that may radiate to the flank area.

Symptoms Associated with Flank Pain

• Pain or discomfort in the flank area, which can be constant or intermittent
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fever
• Chills
• Blood in the urine
• Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
• Difficulty starting to urinate or feeling like you need to urinate frequently

Diagnosis and Treatment of Flank Pain

Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination, medical history, and diagnostic tests such as:

• Urinalysis
• Blood tests
• Imaging studies (e.g., CT scan, ultrasound)

Treatment depends on the underlying cause of the flank pain and may include:

• Antibiotics for bacterial infections
• Pain management medications
• Surgery to remove kidney stones or repair other underlying issues

When to Seek Medical Attention

If you experience any of the following, seek medical attention immediately:

• Severe flank pain that doesn't go away
• Fever above 101.5°F (38.6°C)
• Chills
• Vomiting blood or passing bloody stools
• Difficulty breathing
• Chest pain or pressure