Kidney stones, which are also called urolithiasis or nephrolithiasis, form when minerals in the body abnormally accumulate and harden, yielding a small mass or stone. Each year, over 500,000 people seek emergency medical care for problems related to kidney stones, according to the National Kidney Foundation. People who develop any of the early warning signs of kidney stones should contact a doctor immediately to prevent additional complications.
Abdominal or Back Pain
The characteristic early warning sign of kidney stones is pain. The kidneys are positioned on both sides of the lower back. Consequently, sensations of pain due to kidney stones typically arise within this region of the body. Pain can be severe and typically develops suddenly, explain medical experts with the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse. In certain patients, pain from the lower back can radiate into the lower abdominal or groin regions. Severe back or abdominal pain can interfere with a patient's ability to sit up or move about normally. Any person who experiences sudden, severe back or abdominal pain should seek immediate medical attention, as these early warning signs of kidney stones can be symptoms of other medical problems, such as appendicitis or kidney infection.
Urine Changes
As a kidney stone passes through a patient's urinary tract, it can damage the small tubes that carry urine out of the body. When this occurs, patients can notice changes in the appearance or smell of their urine. Patients with kidney stones can excrete small amounts of blood within the urine as an early warning sign of this condition, report health professionals with the American Kidney Fund. As a result, a patient's urine can appear abnormally dark or red in color. Certain patients may also observe that their urine emits an unusually strong or unpleasant smell or appears cloudy, warns the National Kidney Foundation.
Painful, Frequent Urination
Kidney stones that pass into the bladder can irritate and inflame this organ. Bladder irritation can lead to painful or frequent urination, an early sign of kidney stones, explain medical professionals with MayoClinic.com. Frequent, urgent or painful urination can be a sign of other medical problems, such as a urinary tract infection or sexually transmitted disease. Affected patients should discuss these early warning signs of kidney stones with a doctor.
Flulike Symptoms
Certain patients can develop an infection if a kidney stone becomes stuck along the urinary tract. Infection can cause early warning signs of fever or chills in affected patients, according to the American Kidney Fund.
Upset Stomach
Severe back or abdominal pain caused by kidney stones can lead to stomach upset in patients. Patients with kidney stones can feel nauseous or may begin to vomit, warn health experts with UpToDate, a peer-reviewed medical website for patients.
