[20F] Experiencing fever, body malaise, flank pain, difficulty urinating, and nocturnal shivering

Patient Description

A 20-year-old female presents with a constellation of symptoms including fever, generalized body malaise, pain in the flank region, difficulty urinating, and shivering at night. These symptoms are indicative of a possible urinary tract infection (UTI), which may involve the kidneys (pyelonephritis) given the flank pain and systemic symptoms such as fever and chills. The patient is not currently pregnant, which is an important consideration in female patients with urinary symptoms. Immediate medical evaluation is recommended to confirm the diagnosis and to initiate appropriate treatment, which may include antibiotics. Additional investigations such as urinalysis, urine culture, and possibly imaging may be warranted based on clinical assessment.

Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the symptoms you've described, the following conditions could be possible:

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): This is an infection in any part of your urinary system — your kidneys, bladder, ureters, and urethra. Most UTIs are caused by bacteria, but some are caused by viruses and fungi. UTIs are more common in women than men. They can occur at any age but are more common in people who are sexually active, pregnant, or postmenopausal. Symptoms can include pain or a burning sensation during urination, a feeling of urgency to urinate, cloudy, dark, or strange-smelling urine, and lower abdominal pain.
- Treatment typically involves antibiotics to clear the infection. Drinking plenty of water can help to flush bacteria out of your system.
Kidney Infection (Pyelonephritis): This is a type of urinary tract infection that generally begins in your urethra or bladder and travels to one or both of your kidneys. Symptoms can include fever, flank pain, frequent urination, persistent urge to urinate, and pus or blood in your urine.
- Treatment typically involves antibiotics. In severe cases, hospitalization may be required.
Kidney Stones: These are hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside your kidneys. Symptoms can include severe pain in the side and back, below the ribs, pain during urination, pink, red or brown urine, and fever and chills if an infection is present.
- Treatment can include pain relievers and drinking lots of water to help pass the stone. Medical procedures may be required if stones are too large.

Please note that these are possible conditions based on your symptoms and you should consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis.

What you can do

While waiting for your appointment with a healthcare professional:

Drink plenty of water: This can help flush bacteria out of your urinary system.
Avoid drinks that may irritate your bladder: Coffee, alcohol, and soft drinks containing citrus juices and caffeine can worsen your symptoms.
Use a heating pad: Apply a heating pad to your abdomen, back, or side to minimize feelings of bladder pressure or pain.