What should you know about left flank pain?

Flank pain can be felt in the side of the back or abdomen. A strain may follow lifting, exercise, coughing, or twisting and may be tender with movement or touch. Kidney stones can cause severe, wave-like pain and nausea. Kidney infection presents with flank pain plus fever, chills, or urinary symptoms. A urinary tract infection may cause burning, urgency, or frequent urination. Digestive or other abdominal problems can also be felt nearby, so the left-sided location does not establish one diagnosis.

Note the start of the pain, its exact location, severity, pattern, triggers, and associated symptoms. Rest from strenuous activity and drink normally unless you have been given different fluid advice. Use suitable over-the-counter pain relief only as directed and check with a pharmacist if you have ongoing conditions or take regular medicines. Arrange a clinical assessment if the pain persists, returns, or is hard to explain; urine testing may be useful when urinary symptoms are present.

Seek urgent care for sudden severe pain, fever with flank pain, repeated vomiting, faintness, confusion, inability to pass urine, blood in the urine, or pain after a significant injury. Prompt review is also sensible for pain with pregnancy, worsening abdominal tenderness, or a new change in bowel or urinary function.

Ask what causes fit your pain pattern, whether you need a physical examination or urine test, and which warning signs should prompt urgent help. Bring details about fever, urine changes, bowel symptoms, recent exertion, injuries, and previous kidney problems.