Symptoms and signs of kidney stones

If you’ve ever heard someone describe the pain of passing a kidney stone, you probably hoped you’d never experience it yourself. Kidney stones, although common, can bring about a set of symptoms that can be quite distressing. But what exactly are they?

By understanding the early signs of kidney stones, you can act quickly, seek the appropriate medical attention, and potentially save yourself from prolonged discomfort. In this article, you will learn about the nature of kidney stones and the variety of symptoms that might hint at their presence.

What are kidney stones?

Ah, kidney stones. Those tiny, hard deposits made of mineral and acid salts that form inside your kidneys. But they aren’t just random occurrences. They arise when the urine becomes concentrated, allowing these minerals to crystallise and stick together.

This might sound technical, but think of it this way: just as a pearl forms inside an oyster when a grain of sand becomes trapped, kidney stones form when certain substances in your urine concentrate and solidify.

But not all kidney stones are made the same. There are different types, each with its unique composition:

Uric acid stones

When you think of uric acid, you might associate it with gout. And you’d be right. Excess uric acid can crystallise not only in your joints, causing gout but also in your kidneys, forming these types of stones. They're more common in men and can be linked to a diet high in purines, and substances found in certain foods like seafood and red meat.

Calcium oxalate stones

These are the most common types of kidney stones. They form when calcium in the urine combines with oxalate, a substance found in some foods and produced by the liver. Factors like high doses of vitamin D, certain metabolic disorders, and a diet high in oxalate can contribute to their formation.

Struvite stones

Formed as a response to a urinary tract infection (UTI), these stones can grow quickly and become quite large. They're often composed of magnesium, ammonium, and phosphate.

Cystine stones

These are less common and are linked to a genetic disorder called cystinuria, which causes the kidneys to excrete excessive amounts of certain amino acids.

Understanding the type of kidney stone can be essential, not just for treatment but also for knowing the potential causes and prevention strategies.

Common symptoms of kidney stones

When it comes to kidney stones, the body has its own way of sounding the alarm. By paying attention to these signs, you can get a jump-start on managing the situation. Let's look at the most common symptoms of kidney stones.

Pain in the back, belly, or side

This is the telltale sign. Most people with kidney stones will tell you about the sharp, cramping pain that seems to come out of nowhere. This pain often starts when the stone moves from the kidney to the ureter, the tube connecting the kidney to the bladder.

It can be excruciating and usually begins in the back or side below the ribs, radiating down to the groin area. Think of it as the stone’s little journey, causing discomfort along its path. The intensity of the pain can fluctuate, ranging from a dull ache to a severe, stabbing sensation. Remember, everyone's threshold for pain is different, so it’s essential to listen to your body.

Blood in your urine

Another classic kidney stone symptom is urine that is tinted red, pink, or brown from the presence of blood, which is known medically as haematuria, or blood in the urine. As the hard, jagged stones travel through the urinary tract, they can scratch, tear, and damage the delicate tissues lining the system. This causes bleeding that then shows up as blood in the urine.

This can manifest in two ways:

• Visible blood: This is when your urine appears pink, red, or brown. It's like the warning light on your car's dashboard – something's amiss
• Microscopic blood: Here, the blood isn't visible to the naked eye, but a routine urine test will detect its presence. It's more like a silent alarm, signalling potential trouble

Pain or burning during urination

For most people, the first notable sign of a kidney stone comes in the form of sudden, intense pain. Kidney stones typically cause no symptoms until they start to travel down the urinary tract. Once a kidney stone moves down into the ureter and approaches the bladder, people often start to feel pain and discomfort while urinating. There may be a sharp, stabbing sensation or a burning feeling when peeing. This pain during urination is known medically as dysuria.

The pain from a moving kidney stone is often described as one of the most severe pains possible. Many people say it is comparable to labour pains or being stabbed with a knife. The ache and discomfort are centred in the back, side, abdomen, groin, or genitals. Pain can shift locations and can radiate as the stone travels.

A notable characteristic of kidney stone pain is that it comes in cycles. The discomfort waxes and wanes, increasing and decreasing in intensity. Each wave of intense pain may last several minutes, temporarily fade away, and then return. Larger stones typically cause more pain, but even a small stone can be incredibly painful.

If you aren't aware you have a kidney stone, this urinary pain can seem similar to a urinary tract infection (UTI). But sometimes a UTI and a kidney stone occur together, as stones can create an environment ripe for bacterial overgrowth.

Frequent urination or increased urgency

When you find yourself making frequent trips to the bathroom, more than usual, it might not just be because you drank that extra glass of water. A stone, especially one located at the lower end of the ureter near the bladder, can give you the persistent urge to urinate.

It's as if your body's trying to expel the stone by increasing the flow of urine. While it might be annoying, it's another signpost pointing to the presence of a kidney stone.

As a stone gets closer to exiting the body, its presence in the lower portion of the urinary tract can make you feel a frequent and urgent need to urinate. You may find yourself having to rush to the bathroom more suddenly or repeatedly throughout the day and night.

Smaller volumes of urine

Large kidney stones can sometimes get stuck in the ureter, fully or partially blocking the normal flow of urine. This obstruction leads to a decrease in urinary output, so you may only urinate small amounts when you go.

Complete obstruction of urine flow is a dangerous medical emergency requiring urgent treatment. But even partial blockages should receive prompt medical attention before they progress to a dangerous level.

Cloudy or foul-smelling urine

While healthy urine should be clear and mild-smelling, kidney stones can lead to changes in urine colour, odour, and clarity. If your urine seems cloudy or has an off-putting odour, it might be due to the presence of kidney stones. This change can occur because the stones cause an infection in the urinary tract, such as urethritis or pyelonephritis, leading to the spreading of bacteria.

Chills and fever

A kidney stone sufferer who develops a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, along with chills and shivering, likely has an accompanying infection. This kidney infection is known as pyelonephritis, which results when bacteria trapped behind an obstructing stone multiply.

Fever with nausea, vomiting, and flank pain are classic signs of a kidney infection, which can have serious consequences if left untreated. Seek immediate medical care if these severe symptoms develop.

Nausea and vomiting

You might wonder what kidney stones have to do with feeling nauseous. Well, the kidneys and your gastrointestinal (GI) tract share some of the same nerve connections. When a stone starts its journey and irritates the kidneys, these nerves can get activated, making you feel nauseated or even causing you to throw up. It's your body's way of telling you something isn’t right.

Asymptomatic small stones

It's possible to have very tiny kidney stones pass through your urinary tract without causing any symptoms at all. If a stone is small enough, it can make its way out painlessly when you urinate without you ever noticing.

However, larger stones are far more likely to get stuck along the path, causing blockages that result in severe pain, bleeding, infections, and other problematic signs.

Understanding the common symptoms of kidney stones is the first step to managing them effectively. If you find yourself with one or more of these signs, it’s a good idea to seek medical attention. Your health and wellbeing are paramount, and at Circle Health Group , we’re always here to guide you.

Risk factors increasing your chances of kidney stones

While anyone can develop kidney stones, certain factors can increase the chances. By understanding these risk factors, you can make informed decisions to reduce the likelihood of stones forming.

Diet and fluid intake

It’s not just what you eat, but also what you drink that matters.

• Fluid intake: Not drinking enough fluids, especially water, means your urine becomes concentrated with minerals. This increases the chance of these minerals crystallising and forming stones. If your urine is dark yellow or amber, it might be a sign you're not drinking enough. Aim for a pale lemonade shade – it's a good indicator you’re staying hydrated
• Diet choices: Consuming foods rich in salt, protein, and sugar can increase the concentration of substances in your urine that lead to stone formation. Foods high in oxalate, like spinach and rhubarb, can contribute to the formation of calcium oxalate stones, the most common type of kidney stone

Medical conditions

Certain medical conditions can make you more susceptible to developing kidney stones. These include hyperparathyroidism, a condition where the parathyroid glands produce too much hormone, leading to higher calcium levels in the urine.

Another culprit is renal tubular acidosis, where the kidneys fail to excrete acids into the urine, causing the person’s blood to remain too acidic. Cystinuria, a rate condition where too much cystine is present in the urine, can lead to the formation of cystine stones.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs)

If you've ever experienced a UTI, you know how bothersome it can be. But did you know it could also lead to kidney stones? When a UTI goes untreated, it can result in the formation of struvite stones. These stones are caused by bacteria that produce certain enzymes facilitating stone formation. Therefore, managing and treating UTIs promptly is crucial to prevent such complications.

Certain medications and supplements

Even some of the medications and supplements you take might increase your risk of kidney stones. For instance, calcium-based antacids, when consumed in large amounts, can up the calcium levels in your urine, leading to stone formation.

Similarly, certain diuretic medications, or ‘water pills’, might increase the risk by decreasing the amount of water in the urine. Always consult with your healthcare provider about the potential side effects of any medication or supplement you're considering.

Knowing the risks helps you stay one step ahead. If you identify with one or more of these risk factors, making some lifestyle tweaks might just help you keep kidney stones at bay. Remember, prevention is always better than cure, and at Circle Health Group, we’re committed to guiding you every step of the way.

Understanding small vs large kidney stones

Size matters when it comes to kidney stones. Depending on their size, kidney stones can manifest differently, both in terms of symptoms and the course of action required.

Small kidney stones

Don't let their size fool you; even the tiniest of pebbles can cause discomfort.

Small kidney stones are often less noticeable because they might not cause symptoms as intense as their larger counterparts. They can quietly navigate through your urinary tract without causing significant pain. And yes, they often pass on their own, especially with increased fluid intake.

While they might not always send you writhing in pain, it's essential to stay vigilant. Notice if you experience a sudden urge to urinate more often, or if your urine seems cloudy. Remember, small stones are more common and sneaky, but with a proactive approach, you can ensure they pass without causing any major disturbances.

Large kidney stones

Large kidney stones make their presence felt, and they do so with gusto. Their symptoms are more pronounced – think severe pain, visible blood in your urine, and persistent nausea.

What makes them particularly troublesome is their tendency to get lodged in the ureter, the tube connecting the kidney and bladder. When this happens, it can block the flow of urine, leading to excruciating pain and even potential kidney damage.

If you suspect you have a large stone, prompt medical intervention is paramount. It isn’t something you’d want to “wait out,” considering the possible complications.

When to seek medical attention for kidney stones symptoms

While kidney stones are common, they're not something to be brushed under the carpet. If you’ve been experiencing persistent symptoms or are in considerable discomfort, it’s time to pick up the phone.

Seek medical advice for kidney stones if:

• The pain becomes unbearable or differs from any pain you've felt before
• You have an inability to urinate at all
• There's visible blood in your urine
• You experience persistent nausea and vomiting
• You have a fever and chills, which could indicate an infection

Moreover, if you find it challenging to pass urine or notice an unusual foul smell from your urine, it's an emergency. Such signs should not be ignored and require immediate medical attention. Don't wait if you experience kidney stone symptoms, as prompt treatment is key to avoiding potentially serious complications.

Tackling kidney stones

Recognising the symptoms of kidney stones early on can save you from a world of discomfort and potential complications. From subtle signs of small stones to the overt distress signals from the larger ones, staying informed and attentive can make all the difference.

At Circle Health Group, our commitment is to your wellbeing. Prioritise your health, listen to your body, and never hesitate to reach out when something feels off. We are here with the expertise and care you deserve, ensuring you’re always in the best hands. Remember, proactive health measures today can pave the way for a healthier, happier tomorrow.

Do you think you might have kidney stones, or want to take care of them through a specialist? Book an appointment online today, or give us a call directly, and we’ll help you find the right specialist for you.