Flank Pain
Alternate Names : Flank Discomfort
The flanks are the sides of the abdomen, located between the ribs
and the pelvis, or hipbone. Flank pain refers to any pain or discomfort in this area.
What is going on in the body?
Flank pain usually only occurs on
one side, but may be mild or severe. There are many possible causes, ranging
from unimportant to serious.
What are the causes and risks of the condition?
There are many
possible causes of flank pain. Common causes include:
kidney stones
pyelonephritis, which is a
kidney infection
urinary tract infections, such as a bladder infection
irritable bowel syndrome, a
poorly understood condition which causes abdominal pain and irregular bowel
movements
gallbladder pain due to gallstones
gallbladder disease
inflammation in the bowels, such as that caused by peptic ulcers or appendicitis
hepatitis
pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas
an enlarged or damaged spleen
pneumonia
a tumor or cancer inside the abdomen, such as colon cancer
Other causes are also possible. Sometimes a cause cannot be found.
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