Kidney stones, or nephrolithiasis, are hard deposits of mineral and acid salts that clump together inside the kidneys and form stones. Kidney stones are considered to be one of the most painful conditions to experience, and initiate around 3 million medical visits per year according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). Also, each year over half a million people end up in emergency rooms because of kidney stones. Being aware of the symptoms may shorten diagnosis and treatment time.
Severe Pain
The primary symptom of a renal calculus or kidney stone is severe, excruciating pain. The pain usually begins as the stone leaves one of the kidneys and enters a ureter. A ureter is a tubule that connects the kidney to the urinary bladder where urine is deposited from the kidneys. The tremendous discomfort often is described as pain that comes "in waves," rather than being a constant pain. This description reflects the reaction of the body to the stone(s). Spasms occur in the urinary tract due to the blockage of urine caused by the stone or calculus. Usually, the discomfort is localized in the back or side, yet it also may be present in the abdomen. If the pain becomes so severe that it makes you feel nauseated and you vomit, then the possibility of a kidney stone diagnosis is likely.
Urinary Urgency
Once the kidney stone gets to the bladder, it is common for patients to describe having a constant urge to urinate, even though only a small amount of urine may be excreted. In the meantime, as the stone moves through the urinary tract, the discomfort continues to worsen. In this case, a physician should be seen without delay.
Hematuria and Fever
Kidney stones can irritate and inflame the kidney, ureter or bladder, which may produce the symptom known as hematuria or blood in the urine. The color of the urine varies depending on the amount of blood that is present. Urine may look rust-colored, pinkish or red. Also, the urine may appear cloudy and have an atypical odor, which can signal the possibly of a bacterial infection, especially if fever and chills also are present. If pain as described above is present along with urine and fever symptoms, immediate medical attention is needed. Either contact your physician, or if it is after hours, go to an emergency room.
