Kidney stones (renal lithiasis) are small stones or deposits that form in the kidneys. These deposits form when the urine is too concentrated, thus, the biggest risk factor for the formation of kidney stones is dehydration, states Medline Plus, of the National Institutes of Health. Kidney stones may sit in the kidney for some time without producing symptoms. However, stones can move out of the kidney and into the tubes, or ureters, that bring transport urine into the bladder. Stones block the flow of urine, which can cause severe symptoms. A patient who suspects a kidney stone should look for certain symptoms.
Pain
According to the Mayo Clinic, a kidney stone can cause severe pain in the side, back or below the ribs. Pain is located in these areas because pain nerves from the ureters refer pain to these areas. Additionally, pain can spread to the lower abdomen or groin, depending on the location of the stone. This pain can be severe, and prevent a patient from working or performing other activities of daily living. A patient experiencing this type of pain should seek immediate medical treatment so the stone can be promptly removed. He should be especially concerned if he is experiencing pain accompanied by nausea, vomiting, fever or chills, states the Mayo Clinic.
Urinary Problems
A patient with a kidney stone may experience significant problems with urination. The Mayo Clinic states that a patient may experience pain on urination, pink, red or brown urine, or a persistent urge to urinate. These symptoms occur because a kidney stone can cause damage to the kidney, ureters and bladder, which will be painful and cause bleeding that will appear in the urine. Additionally, a patient will frequently have the urge to urinate from back pressure caused by obstruction of the bladder or the ureters due to the kidney stone. A patient experiencing urinary problems should immediately seek medical treatment to have the kidney stone removed.
Fever
Fever may occur if infection is present, states the Mayo Clinic. The presence of fever is a serious complication that requires immediate medical attention. The body creates a fever to battle the bacteria in the urinary tract. The urinary tract infection (UTI) can be treated with medication; however, it must be treated early to prevent the spread of the infection to the rest of the body.
