Kidney Pain Dictionary

kidney: One of the two kidney-bean-shaped organs situated on both sides of the spine, just above the waist. Kidneys rid the body of waste materials and maintain fluid balance through the production of urine.

kidney infection: Often the result of a bacterial urinary tract infection. Technical name: pyelonephritis.

kidney pain: Also renal pain, usually centered in the lower back, just below the ribcage. Pain may spread to the sides, abdomen, the groin or testicles.

kidney stone: A stone-shaped deposit in the kidney orurinary tract. A common cause of blood in the urine. Sizes can range from as small as a grain of sand to as large as a pearl or a golf ball. Shape may be smooth or jagged.

kidney transplant: Replacement of a diseased, damaged or missing kidney with a donor kidney. Also called a renal transplant.

medullary cystic kidney disease: Congenital cystic disorder in which renal function gradually diminishes, and may result in renal failure.

medullary sponge kidney: Rare disorder that usually has no symptoms until adulthood. Causes nephrons to dilate and urine to pool throughout the kidney, increasing risk of infection and kidney stones.