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Warning-sign checks

Nephrocalcinosis: when to get help

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. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Call emergency services if you become confused, faint, are difficult to wake, have severe weakness, or cannot pass urine while in significant pain.

    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. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Seek urgent medical care for:

    • Severe or persistent pain in your side, back, or abdomen
    • Fever, chills, or feeling unwell with urinary symptoms
    • Repeated vomiting or an inability to keep fluids down
    • Passing much less urine than usual
    • Blood clots in the urine or heavy visible bleeding

    This needs urgent assessment because urine may not be able to drain normally.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange a routine appointment if you have ongoing urinary symptoms, repeated kidney stones, visible blood in your urine, increased thirst and urination, or questions about medicines and supplements.

    If nephrocalcinosis was found incidentally, follow-up is still important even when you feel well.

The article also says

Fever with severe flank pain can mean a kidney infection combined with urinary blockage.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Nephrocalcinosis. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.