Symptoms of kidney stones can range from mild discomfort to severe, debilitating pain, depending on the size, location, and movement of the stones within the urinary tract.
Many people first notice a kidney stone when it starts to move or blocks urine flow. The urinary system has narrow tubes and soft tissues, so even a small stone can cause strong pain. Spotting the symptoms of kidney stones early helps you get the right treatment fast. This can also stop serious problems like infection or kidney damage.
Sometimes, a stone may pass quietly with little trouble. Other times, it gets stuck in the ureter and causes a sudden, sharp pain. The level of pain depends on how the stone moves, its size, and whether it blocks the flow of urine or causes infection.
Sudden and Severe Flank Pain
One of the most common symptoms of kidney stones is sharp pain in the lower back or side, also called renal colic. This pain starts suddenly and can spread to the belly or groin. It happens when a stone gets stuck in the ureter, the tube that links the kidney to the bladder.
This pain usually feels:
- Sharp or like a cramp
- Extremely painful, often compared to childbirth
- Like it comes and goes in waves
- On one side of the body, though it can shift if the stone moves
Walking or changing positions usually doesn’t help and may make the pain worse. Renal colic is serious and needs quick medical care.
Painful or Difficult Urination
Another clear sign is pain during urination, called dysuria. When the stone gets close to the bladder, it rubs against the urinary tract, causing a burning feeling when you pee.
You might also notice:
- A sudden need to urinate
- Going often, but only passing a little each time
- Trouble starting or finishing urination
These symptoms can feel like a urinary infection. Sometimes, both can happen at once. So, it’s important to find the real cause with proper tests.
Blood in the Urine (Haematuria)
Blood in your urine is another sign of kidney stones. When the stone scratches the walls of the ureter or bladder, it can break tiny blood vessels and cause bleeding.
The urine might look:
- Pink, red, or brown
- Cloudy if mixed with pus or germs
- Full of clots in serious cases
However, not all bleeding is easy to see. Sometimes, only lab tests can find the blood in urine. That’s called microscopic haematuria and is very common in people with kidney stones.
Symptoms of Kidney Stones and Digestive Upset
The strong pain from kidney stones can upset the stomach. This happens because the kidneys and stomach share nerve signals. Nausea and vomiting may follow.
This is more likely if:
- The stone is large and blocks the ureter
- You get motion sickness easily
- You have stomach problems already
If you feel sick and vomit along with severe back or belly pain, your kidney stone may need urgent care.
Fever and Chills
Sometimes, symptoms of kidney stones come with a fever or chills. This happens when a blocked ureter causes an infection. Germs get trapped behind the stone and the infection can spread fast.
Watch for these warning signs:
- Fever over 38.5°C (101.3°F)
- Shaking or chills you can’t stop
- Feeling very tired or weak
- Confusion, especially in older people
These signs mean you need emergency help. You may need antibiotics and a hospital stay before the stone can be treated.
Urinary Changes With Symptoms of Kidney Stones
Many symptoms of kidney stones show up as changes in how you pee. These include:
- Less urine if a stone blocks the ureter
- Bad-smelling urine from infection or waste build-up
- Cloudy urine with pus or white blood cells
- Needing to pee more often as the stone nears the bladder
- A stop-start stream when you urinate, which may mean blockage or irritation
Some of these problems may last even after the stone passes. That’s because your urinary system may stay sore or you may have another issue causing stones.
Referred Pain from Kidney Stones
Sometimes, the pain from kidney stones shows up in places you wouldn’t expect. This is called referred pain, where pain is felt somewhere other than where it starts.
For example:
- Men may feel pain in the testicles or scrotum
- Women might feel it in the vulva or inner thigh
- Pain may go down the legs or across the lower belly
This kind of pain can confuse doctors. That’s why kidney stones are sometimes mistaken for period pain, hernias, or even appendix problems.
Silent Stones
Not all symptoms of kidney stones are obvious. Some people have “silent” stones that don’t cause pain or other signs. These often show up by accident during tests for other health issues.
Silent stones might:
- Stay in the kidney without doing harm
- Grow slowly until they block urine flow
- Move suddenly and cause sharp symptoms
Even without symptoms, big stones or those that might block urine later still need treatment. Catching them early helps avoid trouble.
When to Seek Medical Attention for Symptoms of Kidney Stones
Knowing when to get help is key. Talk to a doctor if you have:
- Strong pain in the back, side, or belly
- Blood in your urine
- Fever, chills, or feeling sick
- Trouble peeing or can’t pee at all
Getting help early can stop infection, save your kidneys, and help avoid surgery. Waiting too long can make things worse.
Conclusion
Understanding the symptoms of kidney stones enables individuals to act swiftly and seek appropriate care before complications arise. From excruciating flank pain and painful urination to blood in the urine and fever, these symptoms can vary widely in intensity and impact. Recognising the warning signs and distinguishing them from other conditions is a key step in managing and resolving kidney stones effectively. With accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment, most people recover fully and can take steps to reduce recurrence in the future.
