Kidney stones, also call renal lithiasis or renal calculi, are hard formations that develop in the urinary tract or kidney. The stones consist of hardened mineral, salt and calcium deposits. These substances occur naturally in the kidney and are usually diluted and excreted out of the body in urine. When urine becomes too concentrated or kidney function deteriorates, kidney stones can develop. According to the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Clearinghouse, nearly 3 million physician office visits yearly are related to this urologic condition.
Pain
The most prevalent and recognizable early sign of kidney stones is pain. The pain associated with kidney stones is often severe and acute. There generally is no warning when an episode will begin. Pain can be located in the lower back or abdomen. Specific characteristics of pain associated with kidney stones are that it comes in waves, lasts a few minutes to an hour and radiates. Pain can begin in the groin or pelvic area and radiate to the flank or back. Those in acute distress from a kidney stone may be unable to function and perform normal daily activities. They may appear hunched over and unable to walk.
Urine Changes
Kidney stones can produce urinary changes as the stone attempts to pass through the urinary tract. The stone itself can cause trauma to the urinary system by cutting the tract with its jagged edges, resulting in bloody urine. Because kidney stones often develop as a result of over-concentrated urine, the urine may be cloudy and foul-smelling. This will also occur if the stone becomes lodged in the ureter, causing a stagnant pool of urine to develop. If infection sets in, urine may have a strong, foul odor.
Other Symptoms
Some individuals may not experience immediate symptoms or signs of kidney stones. In such cases, the stone may be in the system for a prolonged period, causing infection, and patients might experience fever, body chills, nausea and vomiting. These symptoms may be accompanied by the symptoms listed above, or they may be experienced alone, making diagnosis difficult.
