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 care if you:
Cannot pass urine and have increasing lower abdominal pain or swelling
Have fever or chills with side pain, urinary symptoms, or a known blockage
Produce almost no urine, especially with vomiting, swelling, or breathlessness
Feel confused, faint, or seriously unwell with possible urinary infection
Have severe side pain that cannot be controlled or prevents you keeping fluids down
These symptoms may indicate complete retention, an infected obstruction, or acute kidney injury.
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
Contact a healthcare professional promptly for a persistent weak stream, difficulty starting urination, repeated urinary infections, new blood in the urine, ongoing side pain, or a clear reduction in urine output.
Blood in the urine should be assessed even if it is painless.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Routine follow-up is appropriate after treatment to check kidney recovery, confirm that drainage remains open, and manage the underlying cause.
Do not miss planned care for a catheter, stent, or nephrostomy tube.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Obstructive uropathy. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.