Gravel in Kidney Symptoms

Gravel in the kidney is a condition more commonly known as kidney stones. Kidney stones result from the buildup of minerals and salts and can be as small as a grain of sand or as large as a golf ball.

Pain

• Severe pain can occur when a kidney stone moves through the urinary tract. Pain can come and go during stone movement, and will occur in the side or the back, below the rib cage.

Abnormal Urine

• Often, the urine will be noticeably different. Kidney stones can cause blood in the urine (hematuria) or cloudy urine, both of which can emit a strong, foul scent.

Nausea

• Kidney stones also can cause nausea. Some patients may experience vomiting. Doctors believe they are brought on by the intense pain.

Infections

• If an infection is present, the patient may also experience chills, a fever or sweating.

Treatment

• As painful kidney stones may be, most will pass on their own. Only one to two stones out of every 10 will require additional treatment, such as surgical removal.