Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.
1
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Seek emergency medical care if you have:
Fever or shaking chills with pain in your side or back
Severe pain with repeated vomiting or an inability to keep fluids down
Very little or no urine, especially if you have one functioning kidney
Confusion, marked weakness, fainting, or rapidly worsening illness
Other emergency signs, for anyone
Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
2
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
These symptoms may indicate an infected or severe blockage that needs urgent drainage and treatment.
Contact a healthcare professional promptly for visible blood in your urine, new urinary pain, recurring side pain, or symptoms of a urinary infection.
Pregnancy, reduced kidney function, or having only one functioning kidney can make earlier assessment important.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Routine follow-up is appropriate when hydronephrosis has already been assessed, symptoms are stable, and a monitoring plan is in place.
Attend scheduled imaging and testing even if you have no pain.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Hydronephrosis of one kidney. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.