Symptoms of Kidney Stones

Symptoms of kidney stones are not always present (these are called "silent" kidney stones). However, if present, common symptoms include pain, nausea, problems with urination, fever, and vomiting. Pain is usually the first sign that stones are present. If fever or chills are present along with other symptoms of kidney stones, there may be an infection and a doctor should be seen as soon as possible.

 

Symptoms of Kidney Stones: An Introduction

Many people who have kidney stones do not experience any symptoms. However, if present, possible symptoms of kidney stones can include:
 
  • Sharp, cramping pain in the back, side, or groin
  • Nausea
  • Blood in urine (urine will appear pink)
  • Frequent urination or urge to urinate
  • Urine that smells bad or looks cloudy
  • A burning feeling when you urinate
  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Vomiting.
 

What Are Early Symptoms of Kidney Stones?

In most cases, the first symptom of kidney stones that people experience is extreme pain, which occurs when a stone acutely blocks the flow of urine. The pain often begins suddenly after a stone moves into the urinary tract, causing irritation or blockage. Patients will typically feel sharp, cramping pain in the back and side, nausea, vomiting, and, later, pain in the groin.
 
If the stone is too large to pass easily, pain will continue as the muscles in the wall of the tiny ureter try to squeeze the stone along into the bladder. As a stone grows or moves down the ureter toward the bladder, patients may experience:
 
  • Blood in the urine
  • The need to urinate more often
  • A burning sensation during urination.
 
(Symptoms of Kidney Stones Continued: Page 2)
Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD