Kidney Symptoms: Pain, Blood in Urine, and Recovery

Some symptoms related to the kidneys?

Hello Dr.
Lee! I previously underwent wisdom tooth extraction, and due to significant pain afterward, I took a considerable amount of strong painkillers for several consecutive days, three times a day.
A week later, I experienced intense pain in my right kidney, which was the worst pain I've ever felt in that area, to the point where I couldn't sleep at all.
At that time, my urine appeared dark red-brown, suggesting possible hematuria, but I did not experience any difficulty or discomfort while urinating.
The next day, after stopping the painkillers, the kidney pain disappeared, and my urine returned to its normal yellow color.
It has been several weeks now, and there have been no further abnormalities with my kidney or urination.
I would like to ask you: 1.
Based on my situation, could it have been acute nephritis, renal failure, kidney stones, or another kidney condition? 2.
Given that my kidney function and urine have remained normal, do I need to see a urologist for urine, blood tests, or a kidney ultrasound? Thank you, Dr.
Lee!

Niming, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2013/06/03

Dr. Li Yilun reply Urology

It may be drug-induced nephritis; therefore, the use of analgesics should be approached with caution.
If there are still concerns, it is advisable to consult a nephrologist rather than a urologist.

Reply Date: 2013/06/03

More Info

Dear Patient,
Thank you for sharing your experience regarding the symptoms you encountered after your wisdom tooth extraction. It’s understandable to be concerned about any unusual symptoms, especially when they involve the kidneys and urinary system. Let’s break down your situation and address your questions.

1. Understanding Your Symptoms: The symptoms you described—severe pain in the right kidney area and dark red-brown urine—could potentially indicate several conditions, including acute kidney inflammation (acute nephritis), kidney stones, or even a transient reaction to the medications you were taking.
- Acute Nephritis: This condition often presents with symptoms such as blood in the urine (hematuria), protein in the urine (proteinuria), and sometimes pain. However, acute nephritis is usually accompanied by other systemic symptoms like swelling, high blood pressure, or changes in urine output.

- Kidney Stones: These can cause severe pain, often described as sharp or cramping, and can lead to blood in the urine. However, the absence of pain during urination and the quick resolution of symptoms after stopping the pain medication make this less likely.

- Medication Reaction: Strong pain medications, especially non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can sometimes lead to kidney issues, including acute kidney injury, particularly if taken in high doses or for prolonged periods. The fact that your symptoms resolved after discontinuing the medication suggests that this might have been a contributing factor.

2. Need for Further Evaluation: Since your kidney pain and abnormal urine color resolved after stopping the pain medication and you have not experienced any further symptoms for several weeks, it is a positive sign. However, it’s always wise to err on the side of caution when it comes to kidney health.

- If you are currently asymptomatic and your urine is normal, routine follow-up may not be immediately necessary. However, if you experience any recurrence of symptoms—such as pain, changes in urine color, or any new symptoms—it would be prudent to consult a urologist or nephrologist for further evaluation.

- A urinalysis, blood tests, and possibly an ultrasound of the kidneys can provide valuable information about your kidney function and structure, especially if there are any lingering concerns. These tests can help rule out any underlying issues that may not be apparent without imaging or laboratory analysis.

In summary, while your symptoms were concerning at the time, the resolution of pain and normalization of urine color are encouraging signs. It’s important to monitor your health and seek medical advice if any new symptoms arise. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, staying hydrated, and avoiding unnecessary medications can also support kidney health.

If you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out. Your health is paramount, and it’s always better to be proactive when it comes to potential kidney issues.

Best regards,
Doctor Q&A Teams

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