Pain that starts in your side or lower back can be hard to ignore.
It may come on suddenly, spread toward your groin, or make it hurt when you urinate. If you’re wondering what are the first signs of kidney stones, these symptoms are often some of the earliest warning signs. Knowing what to watch for can help you get treatment before the pain gets worse.
What Are the First Signs of Kidney Stones?
The first signs of kidney stones often begin when a stone starts moving from the kidney into the ureter, the tube that carries urine to the bladder. Even a small stone can cause severe pain as it moves through the narrow urinary tract.
Early kidney stone symptoms may include:
- Sharp pain in your side or lower back, usually below the ribs
- Pain that spreads to your lower abdomen or groin
- Pain that comes and goes in waves
- Burning or pain during urination
- Blood in the urine that may make it look pink, red, or brown
- Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
- Feeling like you need to urinate more often
- Passing only small amounts of urine
- Nausea or vomiting
Some people notice only mild discomfort at first. Others experience severe pain that begins without warning.
What Are Kidney Stones?
Kidney stones are hard deposits made from minerals and salts that form inside the kidneys. They can be as small as a grain of sand or as large as a pea. Larger stones are less common.
A stone may stay in the kidney without causing problems. Once it begins moving through the urinary tract, it can block the flow of urine and cause severe pain.
What Causes Kidney Stones?
There are several types of kidney stones, and they’re grouped by what they’re made of.
The most common types include:
- Calcium stones, usually made from calcium oxalate
- Uric acid stones, which may develop when urine is too acidic
- Struvite stones, which can form after certain urinary tract infections
- Cystine stones, which are caused by a rare inherited condition
No matter what type of stone you have, your urologist will recommend treatment based on its size, location, and your symptoms.
When Should You See a Urologist for Kidney Stone Symptoms?
You should schedule an appointment if you have symptoms that could be caused by kidney stones, especially if the pain doesn’t improve or keeps coming back.
Seek emergency medical care right away if you have:
- Severe pain that won’t let up
- Fever or chills
- Nausea and vomiting that won’t stop
- Difficulty passing urine
- Heavy blood in your urine
These symptoms may mean you have a blockage or infection that needs treatment right away.
How Are Kidney Stones Diagnosed?
Your urologist will ask about your symptoms and perform an exam. They may also recommend one or more tests, including:
- Blood tests to check kidney function and look for signs of infection
- A urine test to check for blood, infection, or minerals that can form stones
- Imaging tests, such as an ultrasound, X-ray, or CT scan, to find the stone and measure its size
These tests help your doctor decide which treatment is best.
How Are Kidney Stones Treated?
Treatment depends on the size and location of the stone.
Small stones often pass on their own. Your doctor may recommend drinking more fluids if it’s safe for you, taking pain medicine, or using medication to help relax the ureter so the stone can pass more easily.
Larger stones or stones that won’t pass may need a procedure, such as:
- Ureteroscopy, which uses a small scope to remove or break apart the stone
- Shockwave lithotripsy, which uses sound waves to break the stone into smaller pieces
- Percutaneous nephrolithotomy, a procedure used to remove very large kidney stones through a small incision in the back
Your urologist will recommend the treatment that’s best for your situation.
What Are the First Signs of Kidney Stones? Don’t Ignore Them
If you have sharp pain in your side or lower back, burning during urination, blood in your urine, or other signs of a kidney stone, don’t wait for the pain to get worse. Getting diagnosed early can help relieve your symptoms and lower your risk of complications.
The team at Comprehensive Urologic Care treats kidney stones for patients throughout Lake Barrington, Elgin, and Hoffman Estates. If you’re experiencing symptoms, schedule an appointment today to get the care you need.