Symptomology of Kidney Stones

Kidney stones, or renal lithiasis, are formations of minerals and acid salts into hard deposits. The minerals and acid salts are normally excreted from the body in the urine. However, when the urine is concentrated, these waste products may begin to adhere to one another, forming a kidney stone.

Initial Symptom

• While forming in the kidney, there are usually no outward symptoms of kidney stones that you would notice. When the stones move into the small tubes (ureters) leading from each kidney into the bladder, there may be sharp pain felt. The stones may block the flow of urine through the ureters, causing a sharp pain in your back and/or abdomen and the sides the kidney stone is blocking.

Additional Symptoms

• The intensity of the pain may change in severity, with waves of pain not uncommon. Nausea and vomiting may be present. Pain may radiate into the groin. You may have an overwhelming urge to urinate that is not satisfied when urine is passed. Urine may be foul-smelling with blood or be cloudy; it may be painful to urinate.

Cause of Pain

• As the ureter tries to squeeze the kidney stone through to the bladder; these strong-force contractions are unusual to your body, and pain results.

Cause of Blood

• As the ureter is working to move the kidney stone on its way, the stone may be large enough to scrape the inner lining of the ureter, causing urine to become pink-tinged. Some kidney stones are smooth, while others form with protrusions.

Prevention

• The single most important factor in the prevention of kidney stones is to drink adequate water daily. Some people have a hereditary predisposition to certain types of kidney stones, and other people may have to make dietary adjustments if diagnosed with some types of kidney stones.