Merck describes kidney stones as hard masses that form in the kidney and are passed through the urinary tract. The stone can cause pain, bleeding, the blockage of urine or an infection. In some cases, Merck reports individuals will experience no signs or symptoms of the passing of a kidney stone but others will experience excruciating pain. An imaging test and a urine analysis are conducted to make a diagnosis but there may be signs to help an individual identify that they are suffering from kidney stones.
Urinary Symptoms
Kidney stones develop when urine mixed with minerals and acids are out of balance, explains the Mayo Clinic. The stones can be the result of numerous things, including an infection of the urinary tract. Urinary symptoms of a possible kidney stone include blood in the urine, cloudy urine or foul-smelling urine. The Mayo Clinic also suggests individuals may experience a constant urge to urinate or a blockage of urine.
Pain
As the kidney stone develops and begins moving through the urinary tract, the symptoms may resemble a kidney infection. These symptoms include pain in the side and/or back, pain below the ribs or abdominal pain. The Mayo Clinic describes the pain of the stone as fluctuating in intensity with the pain lasting from 20 to 60 minutes. They elaborate that pain waves may be felt from the side and back spanning to the lower abdomen and even the groin. Urinating may be moderately to extremely painful. The passing of a kidney stone through the ureter can be painless if it is small or it can be excruciating for larger stones.
Other Signs
The kidney stone may be accompanied by other signs of illness. These include nausea, vomiting, fever or chills. The Mayo Clinic reports that fever, chills and a general feeling of illness are often the result of an infection that is present with the stone. Merck reports other signs of a kidney stone including restlessness or sweating.
