The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases says the common symptoms of kidney stones are severe abdominal pain and blood in the urine, which may be accompanied by fever, chills and other symptoms of infection. Kidney stones typically occur in those older than 50, and are more likely in men than women. The pain and discomfort of kidney stones can be very debilitating. If you experience such symptoms, seek medical attention, especially if a potential kidney stone symptom is accompanied by signs of infection.
Cramping, Stinging Pain in the Abdomen
The passing of a kidney stone from the kidney to the narrow urinary tract causes a sharp, cramping pain in the abdomen, side, back or groin. Kidney stones may block or obstruct urine flow as the kidney stone passes further into the urinary tract and pain may shift to genital regions. The pain of kidneys stones is often experienced in waves of cramping as the stone travels through the urinary system.
Bloody, Pink or Cloudy Urine
Kidney stones may scrape the inner lining of the urinary tract as they pass through the urinary system, resulting in bleeding and the appearance of blood in the urine. This may present as visible blood in the urine or pink colored urine. Cloudy urine is also a symptom of kidney stones. Bleeding is an indication of the stone moving past the kidney and further into the urinary tract and may cause pain or irritation during urination.
Signs of Infection
Kidney stones not only block urination but also help to promote kidney infection. Urinary tract infection symptoms related to kidney stones can include chills, sweats, fever, weakness, nausea and loss of appetite. Such infections are to be considered very serious and one should seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms of infection concurrent with those of kidney stones. Infections are typically treated with a course of antibiotics.
