According to the American Urological Association, an estimated 10 percent of Americans will suffer from a kidney stone during their lives. A kidney stone is a solid mass of crystals that forms when the urine contains too much of certain substances, including calcium, struvite and oxalate. Some kidney stones pass through the urinary system without causing symptoms. If a stone becomes caught in the ureter, however, the patient will experience pain and other symptoms that may require medical intervention.
Pain
The first symptom of a kidney stone is typically a sudden attack of extreme pain in the middle of the night or early morning, reports the University of Maryland Medical Center. When the stone moves in the urinary tract and blocks the flow of urine, the patient feels a sharp, cramping pain in the back, side or abdomen. Later, as the stone moves lower in the urinary tract, the pain may be felt in the groin area. It may be constant or occur in waves. Many patients describe kidney stone pain as the worst pain of their lives---even worse than childbirth, according to some women---and may require narcotic pain medication.
The severity of pain is not necessarily related to the size of the stone. A large round stone may cause less pain than a tiny crystal with very sharp edges.
Urinary Changes
Urine passes from the kidneys through narrow tubes called ureters to the bladder, and is then emptied to the outside of the bladder through the urethra. According to the American Urological Association, a stone moving down the ureter may cause a patient to feel the urge to urinate more often. If the stone is close to the lower end of the ureter, the patient may feel as if she has not fully completed urination. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, blood may appear in the urine as the body tries to push the stone out. The color of the urine may change to pink, red or brown.
Nausea and Vomiting
Some patients may experience nausea and vomiting in addition to pain. Intravenous fluids may be required if the patient is unable to drink enough water and other fluids to remain hydrated.
Fever and Chills
According to the Mayo Clinic, fever and chills may signal the presence of an infection. If the patient experiences fever and chills with pain or other kidney stone symptoms, he should contact a health care provider immediately.
