Experiencing back or side pain, frequent urination, or blood in your urine? These could be kidney stone symptoms; understand potential signs, diagnosis methods, and when to seek medical advice.
Okay, so you’ve been feeling a bit off lately and started Googling your symptoms, right? (We all do it!) Could it be kidney stones? What should you be watching out for?
Well, we’re gonna break down the common signs of kidney stones in everyday language, so keep reading, ‘cause we’re gonna dig a little deeper.
- Symptoms of kidney stones
- Intense pain in the back or side
- Constant need to move
- Nausea or vomiting
- Frequent urination
- Blood in the urine
- Pain and burning during urination
- Traces of blood in the urine
- Diagnosing kidney stones
- Key takeaways
- FAQ, Myth & Facts
Kidney stones? They usually form when certain minerals and salts in your urine get too concentrated for too long. Think of it like this: you’ve got these tiny particles floating around and, bam, they decide to clump together, turning into small, hard deposits. These little guys can then chill in your kidney or make their way down the urinary tract. If they’re small enough, you might just pee ‘em out without even noticing. But if they get stuck? Ouch. That’s when the fun, uh, I mean, discomfort begins.
Symptoms of kidney stones
Alright, so what does it feel like to have a kidney stone? Here’s the lowdown on some of the most common signs:
Intense pain in the back or side
One of the hallmark signs of kidney stones is pain, often referred to as renal colic, in your back and side. Sometimes, it’s tough to even pinpoint the source. Ya know, you just feel like somethin’s not right. The pain kicks in when a stone starts moving and blocking things up. And, get this, sometimes it feels like a dull ache, while other times it’s a sharp, stabbing pain that comes in waves. Seriously, it can go from zero to a hundred real quick, lasting for minutes and then fading away, only to return with a vengeance. It’s kinda like your body’s own rollercoaster, but not the fun kind.
This pain is usually felt in the flank area or along your side, below your ribs. It might even radiate down to your lower abdomen or groin. For guys, I’ve heard that kidney stones can cause pain in the testicles or scrotum, which sounds absolutely awful. Um, yeah, not something I’d wish on anyone. I mean, let’s be real, nobody wants pain down there.
Constant need to move
When a stone is on the move and causing trouble, you might find yourself unable to sit still. Like, you can’t get comfy no matter how you try. The pain can make you restless and jittery, forcing you to change positions constantly in a desperate attempt to find some freakin’ relief.
These bouts of restlessness can come on suddenly and last anywhere from 20 to 60 minutes, depending on who you ask. We’ve noticed that some people find a bit of solace pacing around or stretching, while others just can’t seem to catch a break.
Nausea or vomiting
Because those pesky stones can mess with your urinary tract, one of the symptoms associated with kidney stones is nausea and vomiting. It also may be linked to some inflammation near your kidneys.
Frequent urination
Sometimes, having stones can lead to needing to pee *all the time*, or feeling like you urgently need to go, even if there’s barely anything in your bladder. This increased frequency or urgency happens because the stone irritates your urinary tract, making you feel like you gotta go *now*.
Now, here’s something we haven’t touched on yet: sometimes, kidney stones can lead to infections. Imagine the stone creating a little dam, trapping bacteria and causing a whole host of other issues like fever, chills, and even more severe pain. This is something to be aware of and definitely worth chatting with your doctor about.
Blood in the urine
Blood in your pee, also known as hematuria, is a pretty common sign of kidney stones. Sometimes, the blood is easy to see, making your urine look pink or red. Other times, it’s microscopic, meaning you wouldn’t know it’s there unless your doc checks a sample.
The reason for the blood? Well, the stones can scratch and irritate the lining of your urinary tract as they move along, causing a bit of bleeding. In some cases, you might need extra procedures like lithotripsy, which breaks the stones down with sound waves so you can pass them through your urine.
Pain and burning during urination
If you’re feeling a burning sensation or pain when you pee, that could be a sign that something’s up, particularly if you’ve got stones hanging around in your urinary tract.
Now, not to sound like a broken record, but burning during urination is most commonly associated with infections and inflammations in the urinary tract. However, research shows that up to 8% of those with kidney stones also experience burning urination alongside bloody urine.
Traces of blood in the urine
Yet another symptom is, well, blood in the urine. Sometimes kidney stones cause so little irritation that it takes medical analysis to discover it.
In some cases, the urine may turn a light pink color, and only turns reddish if there is a severe presence of blood.
Diagnosing kidney stones
So, you’ve recognized some of the symptoms… what’s next? Here are some of the common ways your doctor might diagnose kidney stones:
- Urine tests to check for high levels of minerals in your pee or the presence of blood or bacteria.
- Blood tests to determine the type of kidney stone you have and what minerals are present.
- CT scans provide detailed images of the abdomen to detect stones.
- X-rays to give a clear visual of the urinary tract and kidney stones locations.
Key takeaways
- Pain radiating in the back and down towards the groin is a common symptom.
- Needing to pee more often, or feeling a sudden need to go, can also signal the presence of kidney stones.
- If you notice blood in your urine, it’s time to check in with your doctor to determine the cause and start proper treatment.
FAQ, Myth & Facts
Do all kidney stones require medical intervention?
Not always. Small stones can sometimes pass on their own with plenty of fluids and pain relief. However, larger stones or those causing severe symptoms usually need medical treatment.
Is it true that drinking cranberry juice can prevent kidney stones?
Cranberry juice is more commonly associated with preventing urinary tract infections (UTIs). While staying hydrated is essential for kidney health, cranberry juice might not directly prevent kidney stones. Consult with your doctor for personalized advice.
Are kidney stones more common in men than women?
Yes, men are generally more prone to developing kidney stones than women. However, both genders can experience this condition.
I went to the ER with the worst pain I’ve ever felt in my life. They found a kidney stone, and the doctor walked me through all the options, from waiting it out to having it blasted. The team was awesome and made a scary situation manageable.
After dealing with constant nausea and pain, I finally got diagnosed with kidney stones. It was such a relief to know what was causing the problem. My doctor put me on medication, and the change has been huge.
I thought I had a simple backache, but the pain just kept getting worse. Turns out, it was a kidney stone! The urologist was super helpful, explaining everything and getting me on a treatment plan. I’m so grateful for the clear explanations and support.
So, there you have it – a rundown of what to watch out for when it comes to kidney stones. Now, I’m no doctor, and this isn’t medical advice, but hopefully, this has given you a better idea of what to look out for. Personally, this whole thing has reminded me to drink more water. Maybe I’ll go pour myself a big glass right now.
