Left kidney pain treatment depends on the cause, but generally involves hydration, heat application, and OTC pain relievers (like acetaminophen, avoiding ibuprofen if advised) for temporary relief while you see a doctor for diagnosis. Medical treatments can include antibiotics for infection, medications to help pass kidney stones, or procedures/surgery for larger stones, so seeing a healthcare provider is crucial for proper diagnosis and specific care.
Use heat. Place a heating pad on your back, abdomen or side to help reduce kidney pain. Take pain relievers. To ease fever or discomfort, take over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen (unless you have known liver or kidney damage and are not supposed to use these medications).
See your doctor immediately or go to your local hospital emergency department if you have kidney pain and: you have a fever or feel very unwell. you are unable to pass urine. the pain is on both sides of your body.
Symptoms of a kidney infection may include fever and chills, frequent or painful urination, and nausea or vomiting. Children younger than age 2 years with a kidney infection may only have a high fever.
How is kidney pain treated?
Dehydration — when the body doesn't have enough water and other fluids to work as it should. Kidney cysts (fluid-filled pouches that form on or in the kidneys) Kidney stones (Hard buildups of minerals and salt that form inside the kidneys.) Kidney trauma, which could be caused by an accident, a fall or contact sports.
Water is the best option, followed by kidney-friendly drinks like lemon water, cranberry juice, herbal teas, and coconut water. Avoid alcohol, sugary beverages, and excessive caffeine.
Symptoms of a kidney infection
Conditions that can mimic kidney stone pain
Drinking plenty of water and avoiding alcohol and caffeine can help your kidneys while they fight the infection. But you shouldn't try to cure a kidney infection with a home remedy. Follow your provider's recommendations for taking any prescribed medications and for how to take care of yourself at home.
Pain can last as little as 20 minutes or as long as an hour (or more). If the pain does not abate, go to the emergency room.
If you think you may have a UTI or kidney infection, visit your nearest urgent care, we're a team of healthcare professionals who can help diagnose and treat your symptoms.
Fever and Chills
A kidney infection often brings on a noticeable fever, usually 101°F to 103°F or higher. Many women describe feeling chilled or shivery even when they're bundled up. Shaking chills and sudden temperature swings show your body is reacting to a more serious infection beyond the bladder.
Kidney pain can come from many sources, including kidney stones or cysts, infection, trauma, cancer, dehydration, bleeding or blood clots in the kidney veins. Kidney stones cause sharp, intense pain that worsens as the stone(s) migrate from the kidney to the ureters (tubes connecting the kidneys to the bladder).
People commonly use cranberry to prevent UTIs. Cranberry is also used for kidney stones, enlarged prostate, the common cold, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
It is recommended to see a doctor if you experience persistent pain in the kidney area, or if you have back pain along with any of the following symptoms: Fever or chills. Nausea or vomiting that prohibits eating or drinking. Oddly colored pee.
It is important to avoid sleeping on your stomach when experiencing kidney stone pain, as this position can put additional pressure on the kidneys and exacerbate the discomfort. Additionally, it is recommended to avoid sleeping in a fetal position, as this can also increase pressure on the kidneys and worsen the pain.
Kidney stones can be tricky, since they may have many of the same symptoms as a UTI or a kidney infection – pain when urinating, needing to urinate often, and cloudy or strong smelling urine, blood in the urine, fever, nausea or vomiting.
The location of the kidneys
The kidneys are situated below the diaphragm, one on either side of the spine. They are just below the rib cage. Each bears a small but crucial cap of endocrine tissue called the adrenal gland, which produce the important steroid hormones of the body.
You can check kidney function at home using at-home test kits for urine (detecting protein/albumin) or finger-prick blood tests (checking creatinine/eGFR), often with smartphone apps for analysis, or by monitoring symptoms like increased nighttime urination (nocturia), swelling, or changes in urine (blood, foam) and discussing results with a doctor, as home tests screen but don't replace professional diagnosis.
Kidney stones form in the kidneys. Symptoms may start as stones move into the ureters. The ureters are thin tubes that let urine pass from the kidneys to the bladder. Symptoms of kidney stones can include serious pain, upset stomach, vomiting, fever, chills and blood in the urine.
Symptoms of a kidney infection might include:
For kidney pain relief, use heat (heating pads/hot baths), stay hydrated (water), rest, and take doctor-approved pain relievers like acetaminophen, but avoid NSAIDs like ibuprofen unless directed, as they can harm kidneys; seek immediate care for severe symptoms like fever, vomiting, or blood in urine, as pain can signal infections or kidney stones requiring specific treatment like antibiotics or medication to help stones pass.
Water is considered one of the most effective kidney cleansing drinks and is often recommended for individuals looking to boost kidney function naturally. Staying hydrated throughout the day ensures smoother kidney performance and prevents complications related to dehydration.
Caffeinated beverages
Beverages such as coffee, tea, energy drinks, and certain soft drinks should be avoided or limited. Dehydration not only exacerbates your symptoms but can also prolong your recovery time.