Fever and flank pain

Pain in the flank, between the ribs and hip on the side of the back, with fever can be a presentation of Kidney Infection. Burning urine, frequent urination, cloudy or bloody urine, nausea, or chills can support a urinary cause.

Kidney Stones can cause severe, wave-like pain and may block urine flow; fever with suspected blockage is especially concerning. A lower Urinary Tract Infection may spread upward. Flank Pain can also arise from muscles or other organs, and the symptom alone cannot identify the cause.

Contact a healthcare professional promptly for fever with flank pain, particularly with urinary symptoms, vomiting, or a history of stones. Sip fluids if you can keep them down, rest, and note temperature, urine changes, pain location, and medicines.

Do not delay assessment because pain comes and goes. A clinician may examine your abdomen and back and arrange urine tests or other investigations. Take only suitable labelled pain or fever medicines.

Seek emergency help for confusion, collapse, severe weakness, repeated vomiting, inability to pass urine, unbearable or rapidly worsening pain, or a very unwell appearance. Urgent review is also needed during pregnancy or with significant kidney disease or reduced immunity.

Ask whether the symptoms fit a kidney infection, stone, or another problem; whether urine testing or imaging is needed; and which warning signs mean emergency care. Ask how to manage fluids and pain while waiting for results.