Which term refers to pain felt in the side of the body between the upper abdomen and the back, often linked to kidney issues?

• A. Flank pain
• B. Abdominal pain
• C. Chest pain
• D. Back pain

Answer: (A)

Flank pain describes discomfort felt on the side of the body between the upper abdomen and the back. This region houses the kidneys, so problems like kidney stones, infections, or other kidney issues commonly cause pain there. The pain is often on one side and can be sharp and intense when a stone moves, or more of a dull ache with an infection. It might even radiate toward the groin in stone-related cases. This location helps differentiate it from abdominal pain (felt mainly in the belly), back pain (felt along the back), or chest pain (in the chest area, potentially signaling heart or lung problems).