What are the Symptoms of Kidney Stones?

The signs and symptoms of kidney stones depend on the size of stone, location of the stone and certain associated factors. Some kidney stones may not cause any symptoms (known as silent stones), whereas others can cause sudden onset of excruciating, cramping pain in the lower back and/or in the side, groin, or abdomen. Some of the symptoms of kidney stones are:

Pain

The pain occurs in waves as the body tries to unblock the obstruction caused by the stone. This type of pain is called colic as opposed to non-colicky type pain, (pain of appendicitis or pancreatitis) in which movement increases pain so the patient tries to remain still. The term renal colic is used to describe the pain when a kidney stone is being passed.

• Pain usually starts suddenly and is intense. The intensity may wax and wane, but a significant underlying ache persists in between the acute spasms of pain.
• It is usually located in the flank or the side of the mid back and often radiates to the groin and in males the pain may radiate to testicle or scrotum as well.
• Most patients fail to find a comfortable position and therefore writhe/wince in pain. Sweating, nausea, and vomiting are some other symptoms which may be associated with pain.  

Blood in the Urine (haematuria)

Blood may be present in the urine as the stone can irritate the kidney or ureter. There are many other causes of blood in the urine (haematuria) besides kidney stones such as kidney and bladder infections, trauma, or tumours.

Fever and Chills

If there is an associated infection in the urinary tract along with the stones, you may have fever and chills.

Other Symptoms

Kidney stones can lead to difficulty in urination, urinary urgency and penile or testicular pain.

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