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
Call emergency services for a sudden, extremely severe headache, particularly with vomiting, neck stiffness, fainting, confusion, weakness, difficulty speaking, or a seizure.
These symptoms can occur with bleeding around the brain and need immediate assessment.
Severe shortness of breath, chest pain, collapse, or stroke-like symptoms also require emergency care.
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
Seek a medical review sooner for new or worsening side pain, repeated urinary symptoms, rising home blood pressure readings, increasing swelling, or changes in urination.
Seek urgent medical assessment for:
Fever with side or back pain, which may indicate kidney infection
Visible blood in the urine, especially if it persists or contains clots
Severe or persistent abdominal, side, or back pain
Vomiting that prevents you from keeping fluids down
Very little urine or an inability to pass urine
New severe headache during pregnancy, especially with vision changes or high blood pressure
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange routine follow-up if you have PKD, even when you have no symptoms.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Polycystic kidney disease. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.