Diagnosis

The diagnosis of flank pain can be made very easily if the person concerned describes his or her symptoms to the doctor. It is then important to identify the cause of the complaints. A detailed discussion with the doctor usually already provides important information.

This is followed by a physical examination, which can provide further clues for the diagnosis. In addition, the urine can be examined, for example, to rule out a urinary tract infection. Further supplementary examinations can include a blood sample and an ultrasound examination. Once the diagnosis has been made, an adequate therapy can then be initiated.

Associated symptoms

Depending on the cause of the flank pain, various accompanying symptoms can be added:

In the case of inflammation of the renal pelvis, there is usually a general feeling of illness and possibly fever. Usually there is also a burning sensation when urinating and a pressure pain over the bladder, since the inflammation of the renal pelvis usually develops from an ascending cystitis.
Tensions are often accompanied by back pain and palpable hardening of the spine.
If the cause of the flank pain is shingles, a red skin rash with small blisters is noticeable in the affected area.
Bruising and swelling may be visible after trauma to the flank area that causes pain. Since the possible causes of flank pain are very diverse, so are the possible accompanying symptoms. A medical examination of persistent flank pain is therefore always recommended.

On inhalation

Pain in the flank area when breathing in can have different causes. It is often due to tension or irritated nerves (intercostal neuralgia). In the latter case, an intercostal nerve is irritated and causes stabbing pain along its course.

Especially when the thorax moves – as in breathing – this pain then shoots up. Muscular tension can also cause pain when breathing in. Flank pain on inhalation during sports activities can also be caused by side stitches. If the activity is interrupted and breathing becomes quieter, the pain should then subside again soon. Since the cause of the pain can also potentially come from internal organs, a doctor should be consulted if the pain persists.