COMMON SIGNS & SYMPTOMS OF KIDNEY STONES

If you have a kidney stone, you’ll likely know it soon enough.  There are several warning signs that can alert you to the formation of a stone; Once a stone moves around within your kidney or passes into your ureter– the tube connecting the kidney and bladder, these signs and symptoms may occur:

Frequent & Painful Urination
Those with kidney stones describe an overwhelming persistent urge to urinate, accompanied by pain, which will occur if the kidney stone is moving from the bladder into the urethra.  This passing is very painful and it will often cause a urinary tract infection (UTI) as well.

Spreading Back Pain
Severe pain is common to those suffering from kidney stones, particularly in the side and back, just below the ribs where the kidneys sit.  The pain may also travel from the lower abdomen to your groin and into your back in fluctuating waves of throbbing pain and tenderness.

Blood in Urine
The urine of those suffering from kidney stones is often described as pink, red or brown in color.  As the stones grow and block the urethra, you may begin to notice tinges of blood (a condition referred to as hematuria) in your urine.

Nausea & Vomiting
Feeling nauseated or sick to your stomach can be so severe with kidney stones that you will vomit.  This occurs for two reasons. Firstly, vomiting may occur due to the extreme pain that comes with passing a kidney stone.  Secondly, because the kidneys help eliminate waste, if they are dysfunctional or blocked due to kidney stones, vomiting may be the only other way to rid the body of toxins.

Pungent Smelling Urine
Those with kidney stones may notice, along with discoloration of the urine, that their urine appears cloudy or foul-smelling, which is due to the hard chemicals (or toxins) in the urine that stay in the body and crystallize to make up the actual stone.

Inability to Sit
Often times, if kidney stones are large and aggravating enough, the patient will be unable to sit or lay down in a comfortable position due to pressure on the area.  This is why many people afflicted with kidney stones often stand up and pace

Fever & Chills
If kidney stones are left untreated, they will often be accompanied by a mild to high fever and chills. This is likely due to a urinary tract infection (or UTI) and the patient should see a doctor immediately.

Kidney & Abdominal Swelling
Larger stones can block the flow of urine and cause the kidneys to swell painfully.  The kidneys are located on either side of the body underneath the diaphragm near the lower back and you may notice inflammation of this area or in the area of the abdomen and groin.

If you or a loved one are currently experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, contact us at Southern California Urology Institute.  Here, you will be evaluated by Dr. Gary C. Bellman who specializes in treating patients with kidney stones.

23101 Sherman Place, Suite 304
West Hills, CA 91307
818.912.1899