There are few things as painful as passing a kidney stone—some even compare it to giving birth. With around 600,000 kidney stone cases in the United States each year, here are 8 warning signs to watch for.
1. THAT Pain
Pain from a kidney stone can come on suddenly, and it’s so severe that half a million patients visit the ER each year. Kidney stones are made of hard mineral fragments. While small stones may pass unnoticed, larger ones can cause waves of intense pain as they move through the urinary tract. The pain often starts in the back or side below the ribs and may progress to the abdomen and groin.
2. Peeing More Frequently
You may find yourself needing to urinate more often, sometimes urgently, as the stone moves into the urinary tract. This symptom is often mistaken for a urinary tract infection (UTI).
3. Pain and Burning When Urinating
A sharp or burning sensation when urinating may occur, which can also be confused with a UTI.
4. Blood in the Urine
Kidney stones may cause red, pink, or brown discoloration in urine. Sometimes, blood is present but not visible to the naked eye—a condition known as hematuria.
5. Cloudy or Foul-Smelling Urine
Cloudy or foul-smelling urine could indicate an infection in the kidney or urinary tract, which becomes more serious if combined with a kidney stone.
6. Nausea and Vomiting
Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms. They may be caused by nerve responses to the kidney stone or as a result of severe pain.
7. Fever and Chills
Fever and chills may indicate an infection and can be a serious complication of a kidney stone. Do not delay medical attention. Contact Dr. Edward Sanchez in The Woodlands and Northwest Houston, or visit the nearest emergency room if you develop these symptoms.
8. One Other Serious Symptom
If you can only urinate a small amount—or cannot urinate at all—this is a medical emergency. Seek immediate medical care.
