What are the Symptoms of Kidney Stones

What are the Symptoms of Kidney Stones

Formation of stones in the kidneys doesn't show any symptoms until they enter into the ureter and become severe. Some stones are reasonably small enough to pass that they don't cause any noticeable pains. While others are capable of prompting intense pain, triggering further challenges.

Thus, recognizing the early symptoms of kidney stones can help us in preventing further damage through medical procedures.

 

What are kidney stones?

Kidney stones are solid granular substances composed of minerals and salts that are constructed in our kidneys the moment the urine turns complex. The sizes of the stone can vary from the size of a particle to that of a golf ball. They start to inflict pain the moment it blocks the passing of urine from the body.

 

The types of kidney stones

  1. Calcium stones

  2. Uric acid stones

  3. Struvite stones

  4. Cystic stones 

 

Common symptoms of kidney stones

Most stones smaller in size move away on their own. Having said that, if a stone gets trapped, you might undergo the following symptoms:

  1. Nausea and vomiting 

The formation of kidney stones can impact the neighboring nerves, resulting in feeling nausea and throwing up in moments of severe pain.

 

  1. Bloody urine

Formation of stones in the kidney exasperates the urinary tract lining, leading to blood in the urine. You may find your urine changing its colour to pink, brown, or red, conditioned on the presence of blood.

 

  1. Fever or chills

If you have ever faced fever along with chills, it may indicate an infection in the kidneys. You must seek medical advice before the symptoms aggravate.

 

  1. Smelly urine

An unpleasant smell in the urine is one of the major warning signs of kidney stones. And especially if it occurs along with fever, you shouldn't dismiss it.

 

  1. Difficulty in peeing

People often commit the mistake of understanding this symptom as a sign of a urinary tract infection. Difficulty in urination occurs when the stone starts moving near the bladder, causing discomfort or a burning sensation.

 

  1. Urinary urgency

Individuals surviving with kidney stones live with a constant feeling of the urgency to pee, causing extreme discomfort. Sometimes they may also feel the strong urge to pee, even when only a small amount of urine is passed.

 

  1. Back and abdomen pain

One major kidney stone pain symptom is a sudden and severe pain in the back and abdomen. The pain generally originates from the back and the sides, gradually spreading up to the abdomen. 

 

When should you see a doctor?

Medical help becomes crucial if you face any of the symptoms discussed above and they continue to persist. All these symptoms may indicate a blockage or infection that requires prompt treatment.