Kidney stones are hard deposits of minerals and salts that form in the kidneys. Although many stones pass naturally without medical intervention, there are times when you should seek immediate medical help to avoid complications. Recognizing the symptoms and knowing when to reach out to a healthcare professional can help prevent serious health issues.
1. Severe, Persistent Pain
Kidney stones often cause intense pain, which is one of the most common signs of a problem. However, not all pain requires immediate attention. Seek medical help if you experience:
Flank Pain
- If you feel severe pain on one side of your lower back or flank, it could be a sign of a kidney stone causing obstruction or irritation in the kidney.
- The pain can be sharp, intense, and intermittent, and may spread to your abdomen or groin area. If the pain does not subside, it’s essential to consult a doctor.
Painful Urination
- If urinating becomes painful or causes discomfort, it may indicate a kidney stone moving through the urinary tract. If the pain is severe or lasts for an extended period, seek medical assistance.
2. Blood in the Urine (Hematuria)
Blood in the urine is a common symptom of kidney stones. While it may not always indicate a serious problem, it should not be ignored. You should see a doctor if:
- You notice pink, red, or brown-colored urine.
- There is visible blood in your urine, even if it’s just a small amount.
- The blood is accompanied by other symptoms like pain, fever, or difficulty urinating.
Blood in the urine could signal that the stone is irritating the urinary tract or causing an injury.
3. Difficulty Urinating or Inability to Pass Urine
Kidney stones can sometimes block the flow of urine, preventing you from passing it. If you experience any of the following, seek immediate medical help:
- Difficulty starting or maintaining urination.
- A sudden, inability to urinate despite the urge.
- A sensation of not emptying your bladder completely.
A blockage can lead to further complications, such as infection or kidney damage.
4. Fever and Chills
If you develop a fever or chills along with kidney stone symptoms, this could indicate an infection. Kidney infections (pyelonephritis) are a serious condition that requires urgent medical attention. Symptoms to watch for include:
- A high fever above 101°F (38.3°C).
- Chills or shaking.
- Flank pain accompanied by fever.
An untreated infection can lead to sepsis, a life-threatening condition that spreads throughout the body.
5. Nausea and Vomiting
Nausea and vomiting are common side effects of kidney stones, especially when the pain is severe. If you experience:
- Persistent nausea or vomiting that doesn’t improve.
- Vomiting along with intense abdominal or back pain.
These symptoms could suggest that the pain is overwhelming the body, or they may indicate a blockage in the kidney or urinary tract that needs medical evaluation.
6. Swelling in the Legs, Ankles, or Feet
If kidney stones obstruct urine flow for an extended period, they can cause swelling in the lower extremities. This happens because the kidneys are unable to remove excess fluids from the body. Seek help if you notice:
- Unexplained swelling in your legs, ankles, or feet.
- A feeling of fullness or pressure in your abdomen due to fluid retention.
This could be a sign that your kidneys are no longer functioning properly.
7. Changes in Urine Color and Smell
Kidney stones can affect the appearance of your urine. You should see a doctor if:
- Your urine is dark, cloudy, or foul-smelling, which could indicate an infection.
- You have strong-smelling urine that doesn’t go away.
Changes in urine color or odor are often the first signs of an infection or other complications that require treatment.
8. Recurrent or Severe Episodes of Kidney Stones
If you’ve had kidney stones before, you might experience them again. If you notice that:
- You are having repeated episodes of kidney stones.
- The pain or symptoms are worsening with each episode.
- The stones are larger or causing more frequent problems.
It may be time to discuss preventive treatments or further diagnostic tests with your healthcare provider to manage the condition and prevent long-term damage.
9. When to Go to the Emergency Room
While not all kidney stone symptoms require an emergency room visit, there are situations where immediate care is necessary. Go to the ER if:
- You have severe, unmanageable pain that doesn’t subside with over-the-counter pain medications.
- You develop symptoms of a kidney infection (fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, and pain).
- You experience difficulty urinating or are unable to pass urine at all.
- You notice a significant amount of blood in your urine.
In these cases, prompt medical intervention is crucial to avoid serious complications.
10. Conclusion
While many kidney stones pass on their own, there are certain signs and symptoms that should not be ignored. If you experience severe pain, blood in the urine, fever, difficulty urinating, or nausea, it’s important to seek medical help as soon as possible. Early intervention can help prevent complications and ensure the most effective treatment. If you are unsure whether to seek care, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and consult with your healthcare provider.