What to know about lower right flank pain

Pain beside the lower back may follow a pulled muscle, awkward movement or prolonged sitting. Burning urine, frequent urination, fever, nausea or groin pain can occur with a Urinary Tract Infection, Kidney Infection or Kidney Stones. Pain that shifts toward the lower abdomen, loss of appetite or marked tenderness may need assessment for another abdominal cause. A clinician will consider the exact location, onset and whether movement changes it.

Pause strenuous activity but avoid staying still for long periods. Keep a note of urinary symptoms, bowel changes, temperature, vomiting and any rash. Drink your usual amount unless told to restrict fluids, and use a suitable over-the-counter pain reliever only as directed and if safe for you. Do not self-treat with leftover antibiotics or delay an examination if symptoms are escalating.

Seek urgent assessment for severe or sudden pain, fever or chills, repeated vomiting, blood in urine, fainting, a rigid or very tender abdomen, inability to pass urine, or new weakness or numbness. Prompt advice is also sensible during pregnancy or with known kidney disease.

Ask whether urine testing or abdominal examination is needed, which causes fit the pain pattern, and which pain relief is safe with your medicines.