Hello, I'm Dr. Emily Carter, a board-certified internal medicine physician. I understand that you're experiencing flank pain, and I'm here to help you understand what might be causing it.

Flank pain refers to pain that occurs in the area of your body located between your ribs and your hips, on either side of your spine. It's a common symptom that can be caused by a wide range of conditions, some of which are serious and require prompt medical attention.

**Here are some of the most common causes of flank pain:**

Kidney-related:

* Kidney stones: These are hard, crystalline deposits that form in your kidneys. As they move through your urinary tract, they can cause excruciating pain in your flank, radiating to your groin and abdomen. Other symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, blood in your urine, and frequent urination.
* Kidney infection (pyelonephritis): This is a bacterial infection of your kidneys. It can cause fever, chills, pain in your flank, nausea, vomiting, and frequent urination.
* Kidney cysts: These are fluid-filled sacs that can develop in your kidneys. They usually don't cause any symptoms, but larger cysts can sometimes cause pain in your flank.
* Hydronephrosis: This is a condition where your kidneys become swollen due to a blockage in your urinary tract. This can cause pain in your flank, as well as other symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and blood in your urine.

Other causes:

* Musculoskeletal problems: Muscle strain, spasms, or injury to the muscles in your back, ribs, or abdomen can cause pain in your flank.
* Appendicitis: Although the appendix is located in the lower right abdomen, it can sometimes cause pain in the flank, especially if it's inflamed and pushing against your kidney.
* Pancreatitis: This is an inflammation of the pancreas. While it typically causes pain in the upper abdomen, it can sometimes radiate to the flank.
* Gastrointestinal problems: Conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), diverticulitis, or gastritis can also cause pain in the flank.
* Hernias: These are bulges in your abdominal wall that can cause pain in your flank, especially if they are large or are pressing on nearby organs.
* Splenic rupture: This is a serious condition in which your spleen tears. It can cause severe pain in the upper left flank, and other symptoms like shock, weakness, and rapid heartbeat.
* Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID): This is an infection of the reproductive organs in women. It can cause pain in the lower abdomen and flank.
* Ovarian cysts: These are fluid-filled sacs that can develop on the ovaries. They can cause pain in the lower abdomen and flank.

When to see a doctor:

It's important to seek medical attention if you have flank pain that:

* Is severe or doesn't go away
* Is accompanied by fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, blood in your urine, or difficulty urinating
* Is associated with other symptoms like swelling, redness, or tenderness in your abdomen
* Occurs after an injury
* Is sudden and severe

Diagnosis and treatment:

Your doctor will ask you about your medical history, perform a physical exam, and order tests to diagnose the cause of your flank pain. These tests may include:

* Urinalysis: This test checks for blood, infection, and other abnormalities in your urine.
* Blood tests: These can help identify infection, inflammation, or other problems.
* Imaging studies: These may include X-rays, ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI.
* Kidney function tests: These tests measure how well your kidneys are working.

Treatment will depend on the underlying cause of your flank pain. For example, kidney stones may be treated with pain medication and fluids, while a kidney infection may require antibiotics.

Important Note: This information is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Please consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.

I hope this information helps you understand the potential causes of flank pain. It's always best to seek medical advice if you're experiencing any concerning symptoms. Take care!
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Flank pain can be a sign of a kidney problem. But, since many organs are in this area, other causes are possible. If you have flank pain and fever, chills, blood in the urine, or frequent or urgent urination, then a kidney problem is the likely cause. It could be a sign of kidney stones.read more >>