What does flank pain feel like with kidney infection?

The discomfort may sit on one side or both sides of the back, between the lower ribs and the hip. It can feel deep rather than surface-level and may worsen when the area is touched or when you move. A kidney infection can also bring burning while urinating, needing to pass urine often, cloudy or strong-smelling urine, fever, chills, nausea, or marked tiredness. Symptoms vary, and flank pain can have causes other than infection, so its pattern alone cannot identify the cause.

Arrange prompt medical assessment if flank pain occurs with fever, chills, urinary burning, vomiting, or feeling generally unwell. A clinician may ask about your symptoms, examine your abdomen and back, and test a urine sample. Take medicines only as directed, drink fluids if you can keep them down, and rest. Do not delay care by relying on home remedies when infection symptoms are developing, because an untreated kidney infection can become more serious.

Seek urgent help for severe or rapidly worsening pain, confusion, faintness, repeated vomiting, difficulty breathing, or inability to pass urine. Get prompt advice if you are pregnant, have a weakened immune system, have kidney disease, or cannot maintain fluids. Fever with flank pain deserves timely assessment even if urinary symptoms are mild.

Ask whether your symptoms fit a kidney infection, whether a urine test is needed, how quickly treatment should start, and which warning signs should prompt emergency care. Mention when the pain began, its location, fever or chills, urinary changes, vomiting, allergies, and any recent antibiotics.