Definition
Infection above a blockage, often a stone, can rapidly become life-threatening.
Symptoms
Flank pain, fever, chills or vomiting; sometimes weakness or reduced urine.
How it may be discovered
Renal colic with fever, or infection with a dilated kidney.
When to seek care
Seek emergency care immediately. Mild pain does not exclude danger with fever and known obstruction.
Investigations and tests
Blood and urine tests, cultures, prompt imaging and vital-sign monitoring.
Reaching a diagnosis
The combination of infection and obstruction is the emergency; do not wait for cultures before treatment.
Treatment options
Antibiotics and urgent drainage with a ureteric stent or nephrostomy; definitive stone treatment follows infection control.
Explore this topic further
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