Signs of kidney stones: Ever felt a sudden, stabbing pain in your lower back that steals your breath, or a persistent burn when you pee? Those could be early signs of kidney stones. They’re tiny, but the pain they cause can be huge, so don’t ignore the warning signs.
What are kidney stones?
Kidney stones are hard, rock-like crystals that form inside the kidneys. They develop when substances in urine, such as calcium, uric acid, or oxalate, build up and crystallise. Some stones are tiny and pass on their own; others become stuck in the urinary tract, causing pain and blockage.
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Symptoms of kidney stones:
Pain in the back or side:
This is the most common red flag. Pain can be sharp or cramping, often coming in waves that rise and fall as the stone shifts. It typically affects one side of the lower back or flank and may move toward the groin as the stone travels.
Painful urination:
A sharp, stinging burn when you pee can signal a stone moving through the bladder or partially blocking the urethra. If the pain persists or worsens, get medical advice.
Frequent urge to urinate:
Stones can irritate the urinary tract, making you feel like you need to pee constantly, even right after going. You may pass only small amounts each time, with a strong urge that’s hard to hold.
Blood in urine:
If your urine looks pink, red, or brown, a stone may be scraping the urinary tract and causing bleeding. Sometimes the blood is visible, and other times it’s microscopic (found only on a urine test).
Cloudy or foul-smelling urine:
Healthy urine is clear and pale yellow. If it turns cloudy, dark, or has a strong odour, something’s off. This can signal an infection or a buildup of waste related to a stone.
Nausea and vomiting:
Kidney stone pain can be so intense that it triggers nausea and vomiting. This happens because severe pain activates nearby nerve pathways and puts the body under stress, setting off a reflex in the gut.
Fever and chills:
A fever can signal a urinary tract or kidney infection, which may happen if a stone blocks urine flow and allows bacteria to multiply. Seek medical care.
Trouble passing urine:
If a stone blocks the ureter or urethra, you may feel strong pressure but little to no urine flow, or you may need to strain hard to urinate.
When to see a doctor for kidney stones?
You should talk to a doctor if:
- You have severe back or belly pain that doesn’t go away.
- You see blood in your urine.
- You have fever, chills, or vomiting.
- You can’t urinate or are urinating very little.
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How are kidney stones treated?
Treatment depends on the size and type of the stone. Options include:
- Drinking more water to flush it out (for small stones)
- Pain relievers
- Medications that help relax the urinary tract
- Shock wave therapy (breaking the stone into smaller pieces)
Kidney stones may be tiny, but they can cause big trouble if ignored. Your body usually sends early warnings. Pay attention and seek help early to prevent severe pain and complications.
