A kidney stone is a solid mass made up of crystals that separate from the urine, states the National Kidney and Urologic Disease Information Clearinghouse. Kidney stones develop when natural chemicals present in the urine do not break down the crystals. Kidney stones are more likely to occur in men than in women. The New York Times Health Guide estimates that 12 percent of men will experience kidney stones. Symptoms of kidney stones come on suddenly, and the stones are usually passed out of the body within one to two days.
Extreme Pain
Extreme pain is often the first symptom of a kidney stone. The stone blocks the urinary tract, which causes irritation and pain. FamilyDoctor.org describes the pain as a severe, cramping pain that may come and go in waves. The pain is located in the lower back or along one side or both sides of the body where the kidneys are located. As the stone moves down the urinary tract, pain can spread into the abdomen and into the testicles. Pain and burning with urination may also occur. Because of severe pain, nausea and vomiting may also be present.
Fever
A fever occurs when a kidney stone blocks the normal flow of urine, causing urine and bacteria to remain in the kidney and cause infection. Chills may accompany fever.
Changes in Urine
When a stone irritates the urinary tract, blood is often detected in the urine. If blood is present, urine can appear dark brown or pink; however, blood is not always be seen by the naked eye. The urine can also appear cloudy if white blood cells are present, which is a sign of infection. A male with a urinary tract infection will feel the urge to urinate often, but most men will only pass small amounts of urine. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that the urge to urinate is caused by the stone moving closer to the bladder as it makes its way down the urinary tract. Urine output decreases when kidney stones block part of the urinary tract.
