What is a common clinical symptom of pyelonephritis?

Fever and flank pain are hallmark symptoms of pyelonephritis, which is a type of urinary tract infection that specifically affects the kidneys. The infection causes inflammation, leading to symptoms such as fever due to the body’s response to the infection and flank pain, which is discomfort experienced in the back and sides, typically located around the kidneys. This pain is often significant and may be accompanied by tenderness upon palpation in the area, indicating a kidney-related issue.

The presence of fever is indicative of an infectious process, while flank pain helps differentiate pyelonephritis from lower urinary tract infections that may present with different symptoms, such as dysuria or urgency. Understanding these symptoms aids in prompt diagnosis and treatment, as pyelonephritis can lead to more severe complications if not addressed appropriately.