If you’ve ever felt a sudden, sharp pain in your side or back that seems to come out of nowhere, you might wonder, “What are the symptoms of kidney stones?” These hard mineral deposits form when substances in your urine become too concentrated. The minerals then start to crystallize inside the kidneys.
At first, you may not notice anything. But once a kidney stone begins to move through the urinary tract, it can cause some of the most intense pain imaginable. The discomfort may come and go or radiate to the lower abdomen or groin. It often brings other symptoms like nausea or changes in urination.
Recognizing the early signs can help you know when to seek care before problems arise.
What Are the Symptoms of Kidney Stones?
1. Pain
Pain is the most recognizable symptom of kidney stones and can be intense and unrelenting depending on where the stone is located.
- Flank or back pain is often felt on one side below the ribs
- Pain that radiates may spread to the lower abdomen and groin as the stone moves through the urinary tract
- Pain may come and go in waves, called renal colic, as the ureter muscles contract to move the stone
- Smaller stones closer to the bladder can cause burning or sharp pain during urination
2. Changes in urination
Kidney stones can irritate the urinary tract or even cause partial obstruction, leading to:
- Blood in the urine that may appear pink, red, or brown
- Cloudy or foul-smelling urine, which often happens if an infection is present
- Urinary urgency or frequency, even if little urine is produced
Reduced urine output can occur when a larger stone blocks the flow of urine. This type of blockage is a medical emergency and requires immediate attention.
3. Nausea and vomiting
Pain signals from the kidneys can cause nausea or vomiting because the kidneys and digestive system share nerve pathways. These symptoms may also occur as part of the body’s response to severe pain or as a result of dehydration when fluid intake is low.
4. Fever and chills
A fever with kidney stone pain may indicate a urinary tract infection (UTI) or an infection behind a blocked ureter. In the setting of a blockage, infection can progress quickly, so this combination of fever and flank pain is a medical emergency.
5. Silent stones
Some kidney stones, particularly small ones that stay in the kidney, may not cause any symptoms at all. These stones are sometimes discovered incidentally on imaging tests performed for another reason.
Why Are Kidney Stone Symptoms So Different?
Many symptoms depend on the stone’s size, location, and movement. Small stones may pass through the urinary tract without causing much discomfort. Larger ones are more likely to get stuck and block the flow of urine, leading to pain.
Stones that remain in the kidney may cause few or no symptoms, but once a stone moves into the ureter, the pain often becomes sharp and severe.
The degree of blockage also matters. A complete obstruction can cause severe pain and increase the risk of kidney infection or swelling. When an infection is present, symptoms such as fever, chills, and cloudy urine may develop.
Should I See My Doctor?
Kidney stone symptoms can range from mild discomfort to severe pain, with the risk of becoming a systemic illness. While some stones pass on their own, if you suspect a kidney stone or have flank pain, visible blood in the urine, or fever, see your doctor.
Early diagnosis helps to get the best treatments for kidney stones. That way, you can relieve pain, prevent infection, and protect your kidney function.
Wondering about the answer to the question, “What are the symptoms of kidney stones?” – schedule an appointment to discuss with a urologist in the Chicago suburbs. We see patients in Lake Barrington, Elgin, and Hoffman Estates.