Kidney stone disease can be both a painful and terrifying condition. Kidney stones typically form when calcium deposits accumulate in the kidneys or urinary tract. These deposits can break free and travel through the urinary tract. Many of the effects of kidney stones are dangerous. Seek medical attention immediately if you believe you are passing a kidney stone.
Pain
The most pronounced effect of kidney stones is tremendous pain in the side, abdomen and lower back. As a rough, dense kidney stone travels through the urinary tract, it can cause waves of intense pain in the abdomen. According to the National Institutes of Diabetes and Dietary and Kidney Diseases, the pain of kidney stones is often strong enough to induce nausea. About 80 percent of kidney stones are calcium kidney stones. These have pain symptoms of cramping and stinging as the stone passes through the narrow urinary tract. More rare types of stones associated with a kidney infection can have more of a burning-like pain.
Blood in the Urine
As a large, rough kidney stone passes though a narrow urinary tract, it can scrape against the wall of the urinary tract. This not only leads to pain, but also to bleeding in the urinary tract. The Mayo Clinic explains that this causes blood to appear in the urine. Kidney stones may likewise cause the urine to appear pink or take on an unusual odor.
Urinary Blockage
Kidney stones may become trapped in the urinary tract and block the ability of urine to pass. This is a very painful and dangerous condition. The National Institutes of Diabetes and Dietary and Kidney Diseases recommend that you seek emergency help if you experience symptoms of kidney stones involving a block in urination.
Symptoms of Infection
The National Institutes of Health explain that about 10 percent of kidney stone cases are the result of a kidney infection. Symptoms of infection-type kidney stones are very similar to symptoms of a kidney infection. These symptoms include fever, chills, nausea and a burning sensation in the abdomen. Kidney infection is a serious condition and should be treated by a medical professional immediately.
