AI Summary Overview
Kidney Stone Symptoms That Should Not Be Ignored
Some symptoms of kidney stones may indicate a complication and need prompt medical evaluation. These include:
| Symptom | What It May Indicate |
| Fever or chills with flank or back pain | Possible urinary or kidney infection associated with an obstructed urinary tract |
| Very little or no urine | Significant blockage of urine flow |
| Severe pain that does not improve | Persistent obstruction or severe renal colic |
| Repeated vomiting | Dehydration and difficulty maintaining adequate fluid intake |
| Cloudy or foul-smelling urine with pain or fever | Possible urinary tract or kidney infection |
| Marked weakness or confusion | Possible serious infection or another complication |
| Difficulty passing urine | Possible obstruction of the urinary tract |
A kidney stone that blocks urine flow and is accompanied by an infection can become serious and requires prompt medical assessment.
Why Do Kidney Stone Symptoms Occur?
Kidney stones form when certain substances in the urine become concentrated and form crystals. These substances can include calcium, oxalate and uric acid. The crystals can gradually join together and form a stone inside the kidney.
Symptoms often become noticeable when a stone moves into the ureter, the narrow tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder. The stone can obstruct urine flow, while the smooth muscle in the ureter contracts around it to try to move the stone towards the bladder. These contractions cause the intense, wave-like pain known as renal colic.
The pain usually starts in the side or back and may move towards the lower abdomen or groin area as the stone travels down the ureter. Blood in the urine can occur when the stone irritates the lining of the urinary tract. The urine may also appear pink, red or brown, although blood may only be detected through a urine test.
When a stone reaches the lower part of the ureter, it can irritate the bladder and cause a frequent or urgent need to urinate or pain while urinating. Severe pain can also cause nausea, vomiting and sweating.
Kidney Stone Symptoms That Require Immediate Medical Attention
Seek urgent medical care if kidney stone symptoms occur with signs of infection, severe obstruction or serious illness. These include:
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Fever or chills with severe flank or back pain
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Inability to pass urine
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Very little urine despite an urge to urinate
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Severe or uncontrolled pain
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Repeated vomiting with difficulty keeping fluids down
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Confusion, reduced alertness or marked weakness
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Symptoms of infection, together with a known or suspected urinary blockage
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Severe pain with a high temperature or feeling hot, cold or shivery
An infected and obstructed urinary tract can become a medical emergency. Infection trapped behind a blockage can worsen rapidly and may lead to sepsis.
Symptoms of Kidney Stones Based on Type
The symptoms of various types of kidney stones are as follows:
| Kidney Stone Type | Typical Symptoms |
| Calcium Stones | Symptoms may include flank pain, blood in the urine, nausea or urinary symptoms, depending on the stone's size and location |
| Uric Acid Stones | Symptoms are generally similar to other kidney stones and may include flank pain, blood in the urine, nausea or urinary symptoms |
| Struvite Stones | May cause pain, blood in the urine and urinary symptoms; fever or chills may occur when an infection is present |
| Cystine Stones | May cause typical kidney stone symptoms such as flank pain, blood in the urine, nausea or urinary symptoms |
Symptoms alone cannot determine the type of kidney stone. Stone composition may be identified through medical evaluation and analysis of a passed stone.
Kidney Stone Symptoms in Men
In men, pain from a ureteric stone may spread into the groin or testicle because of shared nerve pathways.
Testicular pain can occur with a kidney stone, but sudden or severe testicular pain should not automatically be attributed to a stone. Other conditions can cause similar symptoms and require urgent medical assessment.
Kidney Stone Symptoms in Children
Children with kidney stones may have the following symptoms:
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Sharp pain in the back, side, lower abdomen or groin
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Blood in the urine
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Pain or burning while urinating
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A frequent or urgent need to urinate
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Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
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Nausea or vomiting
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Fever or chills, particularly when an infection is present
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Irritability, especially in younger children
Younger children may not be able to describe where the pain is. They may instead cry, become irritable or restless, hold their abdomen or complain of general stomach pain.
Can You Have Kidney Stones Without Symptoms?
Yes. Kidney stones can remain inside the kidney without causing noticeable symptoms, particularly when they do not obstruct urine flow. Some stones are also discovered during imaging carried out for another reason.
Symptoms are more likely to appear when a stone moves into the ureter, irritates the urinary tract or blocks the flow of urine. Small stones may pass with little or no discomfort, while stones that become stuck can cause severe pain, bleeding or urinary symptoms.
When Can Kidney Stone Symptoms Become Life-Threatening?
Kidney stones can become dangerous when they block urine flow, particularly when the blockage occurs together with an infection. The resulting infection and obstruction can affect kidney function and, in severe cases, lead to sepsis.
The following conditions can be life-threatening for people with kidney stones:
| Emergency Condition | Why It Is Serious |
| Obstructed Kidney with Infection | Infected urine can become trapped behind the blockage, allowing the infection to worsen quickly |
| Sepsis | A severe infection can spread through the body and affect circulation and organ function |
| Severe Urinary Obstruction | A major blockage can prevent normal urine drainage and may affect kidney function |
| Severe Dehydration | Persistent vomiting can cause significant fluid loss and make it difficult for the body to maintain normal function |
An infected, obstructed urinary tract requires urgent medical treatment because it can progress to sepsis.
How are Kidney Stone Symptoms Diagnosed?
Doctors assess the symptoms, medical history and physical findings along with urine, blood and imaging tests to confirm a kidney stone and check for complications. Check out the diagnostic tests used to detect kidney stones:
| Diagnostic Test or Assessment | Purpose |
| Medical History | Reviews the location and pattern of pain, urinary symptoms and previous kidney stones |
| Physical Examination | Checks for tenderness, fever, dehydration and signs of another condition |
| Urinalysis | Checks for blood, infection and other urinary abnormalities |
| Blood Tests | Assess kidney function and levels of substances associated with stone formation |
| Ultrasound | Looks for stones and swelling or blockage in the urinary tract without radiation |
| Non-Contrast CT Scan | Provides detailed information about the stone's size, location and urinary obstruction |
FAQs
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Q1. What are the first symptoms of kidney stones?
Ans: Sudden, sharp pain in the side or back is a common symptom when a kidney stone moves into the ureter. The pain may later spread towards the lower abdomen or groin. -
Q2. Where does kidney stone pain usually start?
Ans: Kidney stone pain often starts in the side or back below the ribs. As the stone moves through the ureter, the pain may spread towards the lower abdomen, or groin. -
Q3. Why does kidney stone pain come and go?
Ans: The ureter contracts around the kidney stone as it tries to move it towards the bladder. These repeated muscle contractions can cause pain that becomes stronger, eases and then returns.
