Kidney stones are solid deposits that form in the kidneys. They vary in size and composition. According to TeenGrowth.com, a website created by a pediatrician group, most kidney stones in teenagers are the result of excess urinary calcium or a malformation in the urinary tract. A teenage boy with a kidney stone may experience no symptoms or he may have one or more indicators of the condition.
Pain
The first noticeable symptom is often pain. According to an article in "American Family Physician" titled "Medical Management of Common Urinary Calculi," this pain may be felt in the flank, scrotum, penis or groin area. The area may be tender to the touch, crampy or extremely painful. This type of pain usually develops suddenly, as the stone leaves the kidney and enters the ureter---a tube that carries the urine on to the bladder. The pain may come and go, causing the teen to double over and guard the area when the pain strikes. He may squirm and be unable to get comfortable or he may prefer to sit very still and not move his pelvic area.
Blood in the Urine
Blood may appear in the urine as the result of the kidney stone irritating a portion of the urinary tract, often the ureter. This may turn the urine pink or red. Sometimes, the amount of blood is so minuscule that it is only detectable by testing the urine.
Painful Urination
A teen boy with a kidney stone may complain of painful urination. He may find it difficult to urinate or he may need to void much more frequently than usual. Sometimes, a strong burning sensation is felt during urination. These symptoms usually occur due to the stone partially blocking the urinary tract. They may be experienced due to bleeding as well. If the stone has developed due to a urinary tract infection, that may be the cause of the urinary difficulties.
Nausea
Nausea may be felt as a kidney stone blocks a ureter. This can cause the teenager to lose his appetite. He may vomit or simply refuse to eat and complain of severe nausea until the stone leaves the ureter.
Fever and Chills
Kidney stones that arise due to infection may be accompanied by a fever and chills. Pain in the side is usually felt during this time. This is uncommon in teen boys, but can lead to a serious complication such as an overwhelming blood infection if left untreated. Occasionally, a kidney stone will develop after an infection has seemingly resolved.
