Common Signs and Symptoms of Kidney Stones

Stones in the kidneys are solid masses that can form in the organs themselves. Crystallization in urine can occur due to the presence of calcium and other minerals, and the resulting stones can range in size from sand-like grains to small pebbles to even gravel-like chunks. 

Kidney stones can be caused by a number of different things. For example, several studies have found a correlation between men using high-dose vitamin C supplements and an increased risk of developing kidney stones.  Antibiotic treatment may also be a contributing factor.  The most important contributing component is dehydration. 

Maybe you're wondering: What does a kidney stone feel like? Even though stones are normally rather little, passing them can cause a great deal of discomfort. Yet, this is not the only sign of the condition. Take a look at some of the more obvious warning signs that you might have a kidney stone.

A man of middle age is seen hunched over a desk, holding the side of his back while working on a laptop.

Signs and Symptoms That Are Typically Seen

Small kidney stones can sometimes travel through the urinary tract without causing any discomfort.

 Yet kidney stones can produce a variety of unpleasant side effects if they obstruct the flow of urine or become stuck in the ureters, which are the thin tunnels that connect the kidneys to the bladder.

Pain

Pain associated with kidney stones is frequently reported as being comparable to or even worse than the agony associated with labour and delivery.

In a tiny study, it was questioned of women who had given birth before how the pain of giving birth compared to the pain of having a kidney stone obstruct their urinary tract. The majority of those who took part in the study reported that the discomfort from a stone was more severe.  In that same study, the vast majority of men reported that the pain caused by their kidney stone was the most excruciating they had ever felt. Despite this, the vast majority of men also believed that the level of pain caused by their kidney stones was either less than that of childbirth or comparable to it. 

The discomfort associated with kidney stones can seem like intense cramping or acute stabbing pains.

The pain may occur in waves, at times being severe and then gradually becoming less intense. It is also possible for it to manifest in other areas, such as the side of your back, your groyne, or your stomach. ⁸It is possible for men to feel discomfort in their testicles or at the tip of their pens, whilst women are more likely to feel pain in their labia. 

Blood found in the Urine

Blood can be detected in the urine of a person if the colour of the urine deviates from its typical yellow colour and instead appears pink, red, or brown. It is one of the symptoms that is typically experienced by those who have kidney stones. 

Hematuria is the medical term for having blood in your pee. Sometimes this blood may be seen with the naked eye, while other times it requires the use of a microscope in order to be seen at all. This symptom on its own is not sufficient evidence to conclude that stones are present because it may be an indication of a variety of other illnesses. 

Issues with the Capacity to Urinate

Alterations to your urine routine may be something you notice when you're dealing with a kidney stone. They may include the following:

The need to defecate a great deal Urinating a much is one of the telltale signs that you might have a kidney stone.  Urinary retention, difficulty peeing, or inability to urinate at all.

A searing, excruciating ache whenever you have to go.

Urine that has a hazy appearance and/or has an offensive odour.

Illnesses of Nausea and Vomiting

A kidney stone may cause pain in the abdomen, although nausea and vomiting are the only other gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms that typically accompany this condition. These symptoms are probably a response to the discomfort that you are experiencing. 

Fever

Another possible symptom of kidney stones is a high temperature, which is frequently accompanied by shivers. In addition to this, it is a sign that you might have an infection in your urinary tract (UTI). If you have a fever and pain between your belly and lower back, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. These symptoms are indicative of a urinary tract infection (UTI), which, if left untreated, can swiftly escalate into sepsis, a potentially fatal infection. 

When to Seek the Attention of a Medical Professional

One of the most common reasons for trips to the emergency room, is kidney stones are a pain that can be extremely uncomfortable.

Depending on the size of the stone and where it is located, you may require medical treatment to remove or break up the stone, in addition to medication to alleviate the discomfort.

If the pain isn't too bad, you might not think it's necessary to go to the doctor, but if you're experiencing any symptoms, you should get in touch with a healthcare professional as soon as possible. In order to diagnose your ailment, your healthcare practitioner may perform imaging tests such as ultrasounds and X-rays, as well as testing on your blood and urine, in addition to relying on your symptoms. 

Recap

Stones in the kidneys can be excruciatingly painful and create a host of other unpleasant symptoms. While it is possible for some stones to pass on their own, treatment may be necessary for others, particularly if a stone is obstructing a ureter or there is evidence that an infection is present. If you think you might have a stone, make an appointment with your primary care physician.