Version July 2025
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What are discharge instructions? —
Discharge instructions are information about how to take care of yourself after getting medical care in the emergency department ("ED").
What should I know? —
You came to the ED for flank pain. This is pain in the side and back between the ribs and hips. Flank pain can happen for different reasons. It can develop over time or start suddenly, and can be mild or severe. You might feel the pain on 1 or both sides of your body.
The doctor thinks your flank pain is not likely caused by something serious. But they might not be able to find out what is causing your pain the first time they see you. So it is important that you follow up with your regular doctor.
You might be waiting on test results. The staff will notify you if there are concerning results.
How do I care for myself at home? —
Ask the doctor or nurse what you should do when you go home. Make sure you understand exactly what you need to do to care for yourself. Ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.
You should also do the following:
●Call your regular doctor and tell them you were in the ED. Make a follow-up appointment.
●Pay attention to when you have pain to help your doctor learn more about the cause. Write down what you eat to see if any foods could be causing your pain. Also write down what you were doing before and during the pain.
●Avoid foods or drinks that make your pain worse. It might help to avoid or limit:
•Fizzy drinks, and drinks with caffeine
•Fried, greasy, or fatty foods
•Milk and dairy products (foods made with milk, like cheese and ice cream)
●Take non-prescription medicines to relieve pain, such as acetaminophen (sample brand name: Tylenol), ibuprofen (sample brand names: Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (sample brand name: Aleve).
●Ice and heat might help ease pain caused by a muscle strain or bruise:
•Place an ice pack or a bag of frozen vegetables wrapped in a towel over the painful part. Never put ice right on the skin. Do not leave the ice on more than 10 to 15 minutes at a time. Use for the first 24 to 48 hours after an injury.
•Use heat after the first 24 to 48 hours. Do not use heat if you have sharp pain or after an injury, because it can make swelling worse. If the doctor tells you to use heat, put a heating pad on the painful part for no more than 20 minutes at a time. Never go to sleep with a heating pad on since this can cause burns.
When should I get emergency help?
●Call for emergency help right away (in the US and Canada, call 9-1-1) if:
•Your pain becomes severe, especially if it happens suddenly.
•Your pain becomes severe and moves down your back or into your belly.
•You have trouble breathing or have chest pain along with flank pain.
•You vomit blood, or have a lot of blood (more than 1 teaspoon, or 5 mL) in your bowel movements.
•Your belly gets very hard or swollen.
●Return to the ED if:
•You get a fever of 102.2°F (39°C) or higher, or chills.
•You have signs of severe fluid loss, such as:
-Not urinating for longer than 8 hours
-Feeling very lightheaded or like you are going to pass out
-Feeling weak like you are going to fall
•Your pain gets worse, comes more often, or moves to 1 area of your belly.
•You have nausea or vomiting that is not getting better, and are having trouble keeping down foods and drinks.
•Your bowel movements are black or tar colored.
When should I call the doctor? —
Call for advice if:
●The pain is not gone or getting better in 1 to 2 days.
●You have a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or chills.
●You have pain when urinating, or have blood in your urine.
●You have a small amount (less than 1 teaspoon, or 5 mL) of blood in your bowel movements.
●You develop early signs of fluid loss, such as:
•Dark urine
•Dry mouth
•Muscle cramps
•Lack of energy
•Feel lightheaded when you get up
●You have new or worsening symptoms.
Patient education: Flank pain (The Basics)
Patient education: Muscle strain (The Basics)
