Here Are 7 Common Signs and Symptoms of Kidney Stones

As the name suggests, Kidney stones are actual collections of minerals and salt consisting of uric acid and calcium. Some can be as small as a fraction of an inch, while others grow to be several inches. According to previous studies, about 10% of people living in the United States will develop this condition. Untreated conditions can be so painful, preventing you from carrying on with everyday activities. Book an appointment with a Murray Hill kidney stones specialist if you have any of the following symptoms:

1. Back and side pain

Some patients with kidney stones have compared the pain to being stabbed or experiencing childbirth. Statistics have revealed that kidney stone pain accounts for approximately one million emergency visits each year. This pain that affects the back, side, or belly is caused by pressure build-up when the stone blocks the ureter. It worsens when the ureter attempts to remove the stone by contracting. The severity of pain indicates the size of the stone, but it is not always the case.

2. Pain when urinating

This is a symptom that is referred to as dysuria. You experience a burning or painful sensation during urination, which occurs when the stone is located between the bladder and the ureter. Most patients who do not suspect kidney stones mistake the symptoms to result from urinary tract infection. Both conditions could develop simultaneously.

3. Blood in urine

Doctors refer to this symptom as hematuria. This is when patients come in reporting blood in urine, which is mostly caused by the presence of stones in the urinary tract. Doctors need to test for the presence of blood sometimes where it is not visible with bare eyes. When the blood cells are visible, you will see brown, red, or pink blood in the urine.

4. Frequent urination

Kidney stones sometimes block the ureter to stop the flow of urine when you need to go. As a result, you will only be urinating in small amounts each time you visit the washroom. When the flow stops entirely, you will need to visit the doctor immediately as it could cause severe complications.

5. Urgent need to urinate

You should get tested for kidney stones if you have a frequent urge to urinate more than usual. This is usually the result when the stone has reached the lower part of the urinary tract. This urgency is also a significant sign of urinary tract infection. Therefore, more tests are essential for correct diagnosis.

6. Smelly urine

Healthy individuals should have clear urine with a mild odor. You should get tested if you notice a persistent foul-smell. Again, cloudiness could be a sign of bacteria that result from urinary tract infections.

7. Vomiting and nausea

The kidneys have a connection with the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, patients with kidney stones could also experience nausea and vomiting when the stones cause a stomach upset.

When you visit the doctor with the symptoms, they first perform a physical examination and learn more about your medical history for an accurate diagnosis. They will also require a urine sample for further tests to confirm the presence of kidney stones. Book an appointment with a Urologist: Michael Rotman, MD, for consultation and treatment if you experience any of the symptoms above.