Kidney stones are hard deposits that form in the kidneys and can cause intense pain when they pass through the urinary tract. While some people may experience no symptoms at all, others can suffer from severe discomfort. Recognizing the signs of kidney stones early is crucial for preventing complications and seeking prompt treatment. In this post, we’ll explore the most common symptoms of kidney stones and why you shouldn’t ignore them.

Severe Pain in the Lower Back or Side
One of the hallmark symptoms of kidney stones is severe pain, often described as one of the most excruciating pains a person can experience. The pain typically starts in the lower back or side, just below the ribs, and may radiate to the groin or abdomen as the stone moves through the urinary tract. This pain is often intermittent but can be intense and sharp, coming in waves. It may worsen when the stone moves or when the bladder contracts during urination.
If you experience sudden, severe pain in your back or side that does not improve, it could be a sign of a kidney stone, and medical attention should be sought immediately.
Painful Urination
If a kidney stone moves into the lower part of the urinary tract, it may cause pain or a burning sensation during urination. This is a common symptom of kidney stones and can be accompanied by frequent urination or the urgent need to urinate. The pain may be sharp and occur only during urination, or it may persist even when you’re not using the bathroom. If you experience painful urination along with other symptoms, a kidney stone could be the cause.
Blood in the Urine (Hematuria)
Blood in the urine, also known as hematuria, is a common sign of kidney stones. The presence of blood can cause the urine to appear pink, red, or brown, depending on the amount of blood. Even small kidney stones can irritate the urinary tract, causing bleeding. Hematuria is often a sign that the stone is moving or that the stone has caused some damage to the lining of the urinary tract.
If you notice blood in your urine, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible to determine the cause and prevent further complications.
Cloudy or Foul-Smelling Urine
In addition to blood, kidney stones can also cause changes in the appearance and odor of your urine. You may notice that your urine looks cloudy or has a strong, unpleasant smell. This can occur when a stone causes a blockage, leading to a buildup of bacteria in the urinary tract, which can result in a urinary tract infection (UTI).
If you notice any significant changes in the appearance or smell of your urine, especially if it is accompanied by other symptoms like fever or pain, seek medical attention right away.
Nausea and Vomiting
As kidney stones move through the urinary tract, they can cause intense pain, which often leads to nausea and vomiting. This happens because the pain from the stone can trigger the body’s gag reflex, leading to these symptoms. Vomiting may also occur if the pain is so severe that it affects the stomach. If you experience nausea or vomiting along with symptoms of kidney stones, it is important to get medical help to manage the pain and prevent dehydration.
Fever and Chills
Fever and chills, in combination with other symptoms like pain, blood in the urine, or cloudy urine, may indicate an infection in the urinary tract. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can occur when kidney stones block the flow of urine, allowing bacteria to grow. If left untreated, a UTI can lead to a more serious kidney infection, which can be life-threatening.
If you develop a fever or chills along with any of the other symptoms mentioned, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately. An infection in the urinary tract or kidneys requires prompt treatment with antibiotics.
Frequent Urination or Urgency
Frequent urination or a feeling of urgency to urinate can occur if a kidney stone is located near the bladder. As the stone moves through the urinary tract, it can irritate the bladder, causing the sensation that you need to urinate often. The need to urinate may also feel sudden and difficult to control.
If you experience frequent or urgent urination along with pain or blood in your urine, it’s important to consult a doctor to determine if a kidney stone is the cause.
Persistent Abdominal or Groin Pain
As a kidney stone moves through the urinary tract, it can cause pain that radiates down to the groin or lower abdomen. This is due to the stone’s movement through the ureter, the tube that connects the kidneys to the bladder. The pain may start in the back or side and gradually spread down to the groin area.
If you experience persistent abdominal or groin pain, especially if it’s accompanied by other symptoms like blood in the urine or nausea, it could indicate a kidney stone that is causing a blockage or irritation in the urinary tract.
Conclusion
Kidney stones can be extremely painful and may lead to complications if left untreated. Symptoms like severe pain in the lower back or side, painful urination, blood in the urine, and nausea should not be ignored, as they can indicate the presence of kidney stones. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible to determine the cause and receive proper treatment. Prompt diagnosis and management can help prevent complications and ensure your long-term kidney health.