What does the pain in the right and left side indicate? Doctors have listed 11 possible causes

Urologist, Professor, Doctor of Medical Sciences

A common reason why a patient feels discomfort in the right or left side is kidney disease.

Kidneys – one of the most important organs of our body, which performs the function of cleansing from the products of our vital activity, toxins and excess fluid from the body. Their main function is to filter the blood.

We are fortunate in that it is a paired organ and the loss of one of them not only does not lead to death, but also almost no change in the life of the patient, as the second kidney is able to cope with this function alone.

Kidneys also produce such hormones as erythropoietin, which stimulates the formation of red blood cells, and renin, which regulates blood pressure. Therefore, diseases of this organ are primarily considered for flank pain.

Kidney diseases

Unfortunately, the kidneys are susceptible to various ailments and damages. This is due to both hereditary factors and external factors, such as infections and injuries.

Diseases can be manifested by pain, blood in the urine, increased body temperature, decreased urine output and swelling.

Pyelonephritis

One of the diseases that cause heaviness and pain in the right or left side is pyelonephritis. This is an inflammation of the kidneys, accompanied by an increase in body temperature, a feeling of nausea, general malaise.

Kidney stones

Urolithiasis occurs in one in ten. Its main cause is a metabolic disorder, which leads to the formation of stones. Often such metabolic disorders are due to hereditary predisposition.

Stones are formed and grow for a long time and may not bother the patient. If a stone grows to a large size or begins its movement from the kidney into the ureter, causing a violation of the outflow of urine from the kidney, the urine begins to accumulate.

This leads to overstretching and acute, unusually severe, intolerable pain. Such a condition in the language of medical terminology is called renal colic.

Tumor or cyst

In such situations, the patient rarely notes painful sensations, and the disease is asymptomatic. If the tumor causes pain, then, unfortunately, this happens in the neglected stages of the disease.

Sharp pain in the lower back can also be associated with spontaneous rupture of angiomyolipoma, a benign tumor of the kidney. This causes life-threatening bleeding and becomes a reason for kidney removal.

Biliary problems

Oncologist (chemotherapy doctor)

Apart from kidney, there are a number of other causes. Pain in the right side may be related to the gallbladder or ducts. For example, a gallstone can lead to a stabbing pain that gets worse after eating.

Appendicitis

Inflammation of the appendix causes sharp pain in the right lower quadrant of the abdomen, which may eventually spread to the right side.

Muscle problems

Sometimes pain in the right side is indicative of muscle strain or injury. Especially if you have recently exercised or lifted heavy objects.

Cardiovascular disease

Pain in the left side can indicate cardiac problems. These include angina pectoris or myocardial infarction. If you experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain or irregular heart rhythm, you should see a doctor immediately.

Intestinal problems

Irritated large intestine or other intestinal problems cause pain in the left side. This is about constipation or irritable bowel syndrome.

Spleen

Pain in the left upper quadrant of the abdomen or left side indicates problems with the spleen. For example, it may be enlarged or a rupture may have occurred.

Hernia

Lumbar hernias can sometimes cause pain that spreads to the left side. This happens if the protrubéranous intervertebral hernia presses on the nerve endings in the spinal cord.

When is it worth seeing a doctor?

• The pain becomes intense and prolonged.
• Other symptoms such as fever, vomiting, yellowing of the skin or eyes, changes in appetite or urination occur.
• The pain interferes with normal activities of daily living or makes it difficult to do everyday activities.
• You have a pre-existing condition or risk factors that may be associated with flank pain.

Diagnosis and examination

Your doctor may recommend the following diagnostic tests to determine the cause of your flank pain:

• A clinical examination and collection of medical history;
• Laboratory tests of blood and urine to detect infections or other pathologic changes;
• Ultrasound (ultrasound) of the abdominal organs to evaluate the liver, kidneys, gallbladder, and other organs;
• CT (computed tomography) or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) for more detailed visualization of organs and tissues;
• ECG (electrocardiography) to evaluate heart activity and rule out heart problems.

Do not delay going to the doctor. A specialist will be able to make the appropriate diagnosis and determine the best treatment plan for your condition.