Extreme flank pain: what to know

Flank pain is felt between the ribs and hip, often on one side. A stone can cause intense waves of pain that travel towards the groin, while a Kidney Infection may cause steady pain with fever, chills, nausea or painful urination. A Urinary Tract Infection can cause burning, urgency and lower abdominal discomfort, but severe flank pain raises concern that infection may involve the kidneys. Muscle strain, shingles and problems in nearby abdominal organs are other possibilities. The pain pattern and associated symptoms help guide testing.

Arrange urgent medical advice for extreme or unexplained pain. Note its start, side, movement, severity, urinary symptoms, bowel changes, fever and any rash. Sip fluids if you can do so comfortably, but do not force large amounts if you are vomiting or have been told to restrict fluids. Use only pain medicine that is safe for you and follow the label; ask a pharmacist if you have kidney disease, are pregnant or take regular medicines. Do not use leftover antibiotics.

Go to emergency care for severe pain with fever or shaking chills, repeated vomiting, fainting, confusion, a rigid or swollen abdomen, blood in urine, inability to pass urine, or marked weakness. Seek immediate help if pain follows a significant injury or if you may be pregnant and have severe one-sided pain or bleeding.

Could this be a Kidney Stone or Kidney Infection? Do I need urine tests, blood tests or imaging? Which pain reliever is appropriate for me? What change in symptoms should bring me back urgently?