Kidney stones can be not only extremely painful, but also a dangerous medical condition. If you or someone close to you is at risk for kidney stones, it is important to recognize signs of someone passing a kidney stone. Such outward signs are the displaying reactions to pain, particularly in the side, abdomen or back, fever and other signs of infection, and pink or bloody urine.
Age, Sex, Gender and Weight
While age, sex and gender are not direct signs of kidney stones, it should be noted that certain individuals are more at risk for kidney stones than others. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Dietary and Kidney Diseases, kidney stones rarely occur in individuals under the age of 30 and are most likely to occur in those older than 50. Men are more likely to have kidney stones than women, though women are more prone to certain stones associated with kidney infection. Diabetics and obese individuals are also more at risk for kidney stones, as they have acidic urinary conditions that may favor kidney stones as a result of insulin resistance.
Abdominal Pain
The most common symptom of kidney stones is abdominal pain. As a stone passes from the kidneys, it can cause tremendous discomfort. This is often experienced in waves of pain as the stone passes through the narrowing urinary tract. This can manifest in outward behaviors such as grabbing one's own side, having problems getting up and walking and general irritability. At times, the pain of kidney stones may be great enough to cause nausea and vomiting.
Signs of Infection
Kidney stones may be associated with infections of the kidneys and may be accompanied by typical signs of infection. According to a 2005 review in the British Medical Journal by Dr. Malvinder S Parmar, such signs include weakness, nausea, clamminess and fever. A kidney infection in combination with kidney stones is a very serious medical condition and should be brought to the attention of a medical professional immediately.
Pink or Bloody Urine
As a rough, dense, stone passes from the kidney and through the urinary tract, it can scrape against the inner wall of the urinary tract and cause bleeding. This may present in individuals as blood in the urine or as pink-colored urine. One may also see a cloudiness to the urine, particularly if an infection is present. Kidney stones and kidney infections may also cause urine to take on an unusual odor.
