Introduction
Kidney stones are incredibly common, affecting 1 in 10 adults at some point in their life. These small, hard deposits that form in the kidneys can cause significant pain and discomfort, which is why it’s important to be able to identify the symptoms of kidney stones and seek treatment promptly. In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about the symptoms of kidney stones, from the most common to the less obvious warning signs.
Everything You Need to Know About the Symptoms of Kidney Stones
Kidney stones form when there is too much of certain substances in your urine, which can cause crystals to form and eventually turn into stones. As these stones move through the urinary tract, they can cause a variety of symptoms.
The most common symptoms of kidney stones include:
- Pain in the back, side, or lower abdomen
- Pain during urination
- Blood in the urine
- Nausea or vomiting
Are You Experiencing These 5 Common Symptoms of Kidney Stones?
Let’s take a closer look at each of these symptoms and what they mean:
Sudden and severe pain
One of the hallmark symptoms of kidney stones is sudden and intense pain that comes on quickly. This pain is often described as being “worse than childbirth” by those who experience it. It can be felt in the back, side, or lower abdomen, depending on where the stone is located.
Pain that comes in waves and fluctuates in intensity
The pain associated with kidney stones often comes and goes in waves, and can vary in intensity. This means that you may have moments of relief, followed by more severe pain.
Pain that spreads to the groin or genitals
In some cases, the pain from kidney stones can radiate down into the groin area, as the stone moves down the urinary tract. You may feel pain in the testicles or labia as well.
Pain that’s accompanied by nausea and vomiting
Many people with kidney stones experience nausea or vomiting, which can be caused by the intense pain or by the blockage that the stone causes in the urinary tract.
Pain during urination
As the stone moves out of the kidneys and into the bladder, it can cause pain and discomfort during urination. This pain may be felt in the urethra or in the bladder itself.
The Ultimate Guide to Identifying Symptoms of Kidney Stones
In addition to the common symptoms listed above, there are some less obvious warning signs of kidney stones that you should be aware of. These include:
- Frequent urination
- Painful urination
- Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
- Fever and chills
- Loss of appetite
These symptoms can be caused by a number of different conditions, but if you have a history of kidney stones or other risk factors, it’s important to consider kidney stones as a potential cause.
Don’t Ignore These Warning Signs of Kidney Stones: Symptoms to Watch For
While most cases of kidney stones can be treated with medication and lifestyle changes, there are some warning signs that should not be ignored. If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention right away:
- Signs of infection, such as fever, chills, or an elevated white blood cell count
- Inability to pass urine
- Excruciating pain that does not improve with medication
- Multiple episodes of kidney stones
- High risk factors, such as a family history of kidney stones or certain medical conditions
Understanding the 4 Most Common Symptoms of Kidney Stones
To recap, the most common symptoms of kidney stones are:
- Pain in the back, side, or lower abdomen
- Pain during urination
- Blood in the urine
- Nausea or vomiting
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek medical attention right away to prevent further complications.
How to Tell if You Have Kidney Stones: A Breakdown of Symptoms
If you’re unsure whether you’re experiencing symptoms of kidney stones, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you identify them:
- Monitor your symptoms – keep track of when they occur, how severe they are, and any other factors that may be contributing to them.
- Look for the common symptoms of kidney stones – back pain, side pain, pain during urination, blood in the urine, and nausea or vomiting.
- Consider less obvious warning signs – frequent urination, painful urination, cloudy or foul-smelling urine, fever and chills, and loss of appetite.
- Pay attention to warning signs – signs of infection, inability to pass urine, excruciating pain, multiple episodes of kidney stones, and high risk factors.
- Seek medical attention if your symptoms persist or worsen.
Conclusion
Kidney stones can be a painful and uncomfortable condition, but with prompt treatment, they can be managed effectively. By knowing the symptoms of kidney stones and seeking medical attention when necessary, you can prevent further complications and get back to feeling your best.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of kidney stones, don’t wait – talk to your healthcare provider today.