What symptom is typically associated with acute pyelonephritis?

Acute pyelonephritis is an infection of the kidney that commonly presents with specific symptoms. Flank pain and fever are characteristic symptoms associated with this condition. Flank pain often occurs due to inflammation and tissue swelling in the kidney area, leading to discomfort that can be felt in the lower back or side. Fever typically accompanies an infection as the body mounts an immune response to fight the bacteria causing the pyelonephritis.

In contrast, joint pain and stiffness are more characteristic of conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or other systemic inflammatory disorders, not renal infections. Chest pain and coughing are symptoms related to respiratory issues, such as pneumonia or other lung conditions. Nausea and weight loss can be symptoms of various conditions, including gastrointestinal or chronic illnesses, but they are not specific to acute pyelonephritis. Therefore, flank pain and fever serve as key indicators of this renal condition, making these symptoms the most relevant in identifying acute pyelonephritis.