Kidney stones are made of salt and minerals, such as calcium. With concentrated urine, the elements of the stones, which are naturally present in urine, begin to crystallize. Proper hydration is important for correct kidney function to decrease the likelihood of stone formation. Kidney stones are fairly common and can occur multiple times in an individual. According to MedlinePlus, men tend to have kidney stones more often than women do, and they are most common for people in their 20s. After developing in the kidneys, the stones work their way through the urinary tract until passing with urine. Sometimes the stone lodges, making medical treatment necessary.
Pain
The first sign of a kidney stone is usually pain. The pain is a sudden, sharp pain that may disappear. Obvious tenderness over the abdomen, side or back, when pressed, may occur. The pain can radiate or move as the kidney stone passes through the urinary tract.
Urine Changes
Urine may contain obvious signs of blood or may appear as an abnormal color. Very concentrated urine is a dark yellow and cloudy. Blood in the urine may also make the urine look tea or rust colored. A urinalysis may also reveal sediment in the urine. The urine may also have a bad odor.
Additional Signs
As the kidney stone moves along the urinary tract, additional symptoms may occur. Nausea and vomiting can accompany the pain. A fever, chills and a loss of an appetite are also signs of a kidney stone, when paired with pain.
Images
The kidney stone may show up in a number of different imaging scans. A CT scan, an MRI, an ultrasound or x-rays of the abdomen can reveal the stone, especially once it is lodged in the ureter. An intravenous pyelogram uses radiographic dye to help evaluate kidney stones.
