In healthy people, the two kidneys within the body clear waste and excess fluid from the bloodstream and excrete it as urine. If the salt within the urine solidifies and forms crystals, a kidney stone can develop. Kidney stones are one of the most common types of urinary tract disorders and can block the normal flow of urine if one develops. If this occurs, infection, kidney damage or kidney failure could occur. To diagnose this condition, your doctor may ask if you are experiencing any kidney stone symptoms.
Pain
One of the most common symptoms associated with a kidney stone is pain. If a kidney stone blocks the flow of urine through the urinary tract, you may experience sharp and severe pain in your back---a condition sometimes referred to as renal colic. Typically, the pain caused by a kidney stone occurs within the back, immediately below the ribs on one or both sides of the body. Pain can extend toward the navel or groin, depending on the size or location of the kidney stone. Nausea or vomiting may occur in some people as a result of severe pain. If you experience intense, prolonged pain, seek immediate medical care for further evaluation.
Blood in the Urine
If the kidney stone becomes stuck along the urinary tract, your urinary muscles will work to push the stone into the bladder. If the kidney stone is large in size, it can damage or scratch the inside of your urinary tract. If this occurs, you could develop blood within your urine. Blood within the urine can cause your urine to appear orange, pink or red in color. If you observe blood within your urine, seek additional medical care, as this is also a symptom of a sexually transmitted disease or a urinary tract infection.
Urinary Urgency
As the kidney stone progresses through the urinary tract, you may experience an increase in your need to urinate. If you have a kidney stone, a painful or burning sensation can occur during urination. Once you pass a kidney stone out of your bladder, small pellets of stone might appear within your urine. If you feel a consistent or urgent need to urinate, seek medical care as soon as possible, as this is also a symptom of a urinary tract infection or sexually transmitted disease.
Fever
In some people, a kidney stone can block the urinary tract and cause infection. If this occurs, you can develop flu-like symptoms, such as fever, chills or sweating. If you experience such symptoms, do not hesitate to contact your medical care provider. An infection will likely require an antibiotic medication to resolve your symptoms.
