Symptoms of Kidney Stones

Kidney stones do not always cause signs and symptoms (they are known as "silent" in such cases). However, if present, common symptoms include pain, nausea, problems with urination, and fever. Pain is usually the first sign that stones are present. If fever or chills are present along with other symptoms of kidney stones, a doctor should be seen as soon as possible.

Information on Kidney Stones

Signs and Symptoms of Kidney Stones: An Introduction

Many people who have kidney stones do not experience any symptoms. However, if present, possible kidney stones symptoms 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 Kidney Stones Symptoms?

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. People 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, people may experience the following kidney stones symptoms:

Blood in the urine
The need to urinate more often
A burning sensation during urination.

(Symptoms of Kidney Stones Continued: Page 2)