Common symptoms
- Pain in the side or back, sometimes after drinking a lot of fluid
- Urinary infections
- Blood in the urine
- No symptoms, when found on a routine or antenatal scan
When not to wait: Go to an emergency department at once for severe pain with fever or chills, or if you cannot pass urine. These can be signs of an infection or blockage that needs urgent treatment.
Tests that may be needed
- Ultrasound
- Renal scan (DTPA or EC), which shows drainage and each kidney’s function
- CT urogram, in selected cases
Cost, insurance and government schemes
Cost depends on the procedure and your hospital stay. See how estimates, insurance and schemes work.
Frequently asked questions
Does a swollen kidney always need surgery?
No. Some cases, especially in babies, are watched with repeat scans. Surgery is considered when the kidney’s drainage or function is affected, or when there is pain or infection.
This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Please read our medical disclaimer.