Kidney stones can develop without much warning, and they often cause sudden and intense discomfort. While symptoms of kidney stones sometimes overlap with other conditions, here are some telltale signs that you may be dealing with the real deal.
1. Pain in the lower back, side or groin
One of the hallmark signs of kidney stones is pain in the lower back, side or groin. The pain can be sudden and intense, or it can be dull and radiating. The points of pain may shift as the stone makes its way through the urinary tract.
2. Frequent urge to urinate
The presence of kidney stones may create the sudden urge to urinate or the feeling that you need to urinate more frequently even if you haven’t increased your fluid intake. This sign is similar to what someone experiences when they have a urinary tract infection, or UTI. You may also only expel a minimal amount of urine, which can be caused by the stone making its way to the bladder.
3. Painful urination
The presence of a kidney stone, particularly one that has moved closer to the bladder, may cause pain or burning during urination. While this is a similar symptom experience when someone has a bladder infection, the pain is described as significantly more intense when kidney stones are present.
4. Foul-smelling or discolored urine
Kidney stones may cause foul-smelling or discolored urine. The odor my indicate there is an infection present, while pink, brown or red color may signal the presence of blood in the urine, likely caused by the kidney stone irritating the urinary tract.
5. Nausea and vomiting
The pain caused by a kidney stone can often lead to nausea and / or vomiting. Additionally, the presence of a stone and the disruption it causes to normal kidney function can also cause stomach discomfort.
6. Fever
If you have a fever and suspect a kidney stone, contract your doctor immediately as this may be a medical emergency.
Recognizing these signs early on is key to getting the right care in a timely manner. As with most medical issues, if caught early, treatment can take care of the issue so you’re feeling better sooner. If left untreated, though, kidney stones can cause more serious issues. If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms and suspect you have a kidney stone, consult with your physician right away.