[44F] Experiencing constant bilateral lower back kidney pain with decreased urination

Patient Description

A 44-year-old female reports a constant aching, sharp discomfort in the lower back on both sides, indicative of kidney pain, persisting for three days. The patient also notes a significant decrease in urination, having only urinated once today without feeling the need to urinate more. No relief measures have been effective for the kidney pain. There is no mention of fever, chills, or other systemic symptoms. The patient has not indicated any recent changes in diet, medication, or activities that could be related to these symptoms.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, possible diagnoses include:

  • Kidney Stones: These are hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside your kidneys. They can cause severe pain in your back or side, and sometimes can lead to decreased urination.

    • Treatment usually involves pain relievers and drinking lots of water to help pass the stone. In some cases, a medical procedure may be needed to remove or break up the stone.
  • Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): An infection in any part of your urinary system, which includes your kidneys, bladder, ureters, and urethra. UTIs can cause pain and discomfort in your lower back and decreased urination.

    • Treatment typically involves antibiotics to kill the bacteria causing the infection.
  • Kidney Infection (Pyelonephritis): This is a specific type of UTI that generally starts in the urethra or bladder and travels up into the kidneys. It can cause pain in your lower back and changes in urination.

    • Treatment usually involves antibiotics and in severe cases, hospitalization.
  • Kidney Failure: This is a serious condition in which your kidneys lose the ability to filter waste from your blood. It can cause back or side pain and changes in urination.

    • Treatment involves addressing the cause of the kidney failure and may include dialysis or kidney transplant in severe cases.

Please note that these are potential explanations for your symptoms, but other conditions could also be responsible. It's important to get a formal diagnosis from a healthcare professional.

What you can do

Given your symptoms, it's important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. In the meantime:

  1. Try to drink plenty of fluids, particularly water, to help flush out your urinary system.
  2. Over-the-counter pain relievers may help with the discomfort, but they are not a substitute for medical treatment.

What you should look out for

Please seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

  • Severe pain that makes it hard to move or get comfortable
  • Fever or chills
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Blood in your urine or cloudy, strong-smelling urine
  • Any other new or worsening symptoms

Remember, I'm an AI and this advice is based on the information you've given me. It's always important to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

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11 mo ago

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People Also Ask


What are the common symptoms of kidney stones?

Common symptoms of kidney stones include severe pain in the back or side, pain during urination, pink, red, or brown urine, nausea, and frequent urination.


How can a urinary tract infection affect urination?

A urinary tract infection can cause a burning sensation during urination, frequent urges to urinate, cloudy or strong-smelling urine, and sometimes decreased urination due to discomfort.


What are the signs that a kidney infection is becoming severe?

Signs that a kidney infection is becoming severe include high fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, and severe pain in the back or side. Immediate medical attention is necessary if these symptoms occur.


What lifestyle changes can help prevent kidney stones?

To help prevent kidney stones, it is recommended to drink plenty of water, reduce salt and animal protein intake, and maintain a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. Regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight can also be beneficial.


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