Kidney is one of the organs in the human body that is responsible for cleaning up your blood stream and getting rid of the toxins present in it. They are present just below your ribcage, on either side of your spine. Many people who experience kidney pain often mistake it for back pain, but there is a specific difference that can help you figure out which one is it. Back pain is located in your lower back, while kidney pain is a bit further up and often feels deeper. So, what could be causing you his pain? One unexpected cause of your kidney pain may be in your throat! According to the Cleveland Clinic, which is an infection of the throat and tonsils, that is caused by the bacteria called group A streptococcus. You can get this infection by someone who is carrying step A bacteria. If you have this infection, your body makes protein to fight against it, some of these extra antibodies can settle in the filtering part of your kidney and make them inflamed. It can also cause a disease called the PSGN.What Is PSGN?Poststreptococcal Glomerulonephritis (PSGN) is a kidney disease that occurs when the body's immune system overreacts after a bacterial infection, usually caused by strep bacteria. The Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explains that while the immune system is meant to protect us, it can sometimes mistakenly attack the kidneys. This attack causes inflammation and damage to the tiny filters in your kidneys, called glomeruli. Due to this, your kidneys can't clean your blood as well as they should. It's important to understand that PSGN is not a direct infection of the kidneys; it's your body's reaction to a previous infection.What are The Symptoms of PSGN?CDC explains that you may notice symptoms of PSGN about 10 days after having strep throat or scarlet fever, or around 3 weeks after impetigo. Common signs include dark or reddish-brown pee, peeing less than usual, and swelling in your face, especially around your eyes, and in your hands and feet. You might also feel very tired because of low iron levels in your blood. Some people with PSGN have high blood pressure too. Sometimes, the symptoms are so mild that you might not even realize something is wrong. It is very important to pay attention to your body after a strep infection.What Could Go Wrong With PSGN?Most people who get PSGN get better within a few weeks, and their kidneys go back to normal. However, in some rare cases, PSGN can cause long-lasting damage to the kidneys. This long term damage is more likely to happen in adults than in children. If the kidneys are damaged badly, they might even stop working altogether, which is called kidney failure. This is a serious problem. That is why it is so important to see a doctor if you have symptoms of PSGN after a strep infection.Anyone can get PSGN after having a strep infection, but it's more common in children than adults. Young children especially those in preschool, are more likely to get PSGN after impetigo. School-age children are more likely to get it after strep throat or scarlet fever. If you are around people who have strep infections, you are more likely to get infected and then to get PSGN. So, practicing good hygiene is very important. Can You Prevent PSGN?The best way to prevent PSGN is to prevent strep infections in the first place. This means washing your hands often, especially after being in public places or around someone who is sick. If you have strep throat, scarlet fever, or impetigo, make sure you take all the antibiotics your doctor gives you. This will help get rid of the bacteria and prevent PSGN. Also, try to avoid close contact with people who have strep infections.