Which doctor treats flank pain? | Flank pain on the right – What is behind it?

Which doctor treats flank pain?

The final treatment of flank pain depends on the underlying cause. However, an initial medical clarification and classification can be carried out by the family doctor or an internist. On the basis first diagnostic measures the possible causes can already be delimited. For further diagnosis, an examination by a radiologist may be necessary.Depending on the underlying diseases, the family doctor can then initiate further treatment by internists, orthopaedic specialists, hepatologists, nephrologists or other relevant disciplines.

Associated symptoms

The accompanying symptoms, which are associated with flank pain on the right side, are crucial for the first diagnostic steps. Complaints of the gastrointestinal tract can be accompanied by external pressure pain and defensive tension, causing flatulence, diarrhoea, cramping pain, fever and vomiting. The gall bladder and laxative bile ducts are also closely related to the digestive tract.

This can cause severe, colicky pain in the upper abdomen, which radiates into the flank. The pain typically occurs with a short delay after eating. In addition, yellowing of the eyes and skin may occur with prolonged bile stasis. These symptoms may also indicate a problem with the liver or pancreas.

Treatment

The treatment must be adapted to the individual disease. Flank pain itself does not necessarily have to be treated, unless it severely restricts everyday life. The pain itself can be treated according to a step-by-step scheme, whereby drugs such as ibuprofen or diclofenac are prescribed first.

For very severe pain, opioids such as morphine can also be used. If possible, however, the underlying disease should be addressed. Bacterial infections, for example of the kidney, often require antibiotics.

Infections of the gastrointestinal tract, gall bladder and other organs can also be treated in this way. If possible, therapy must always be designed to combat the causes of the disease rather than merely treating the pain symptomatically. For example, if the urinary tract is blocked, the stones must be removed first and foremost.