Frequently Asked Questions About Kidney Stones

Do you know that 1 in 10 people will have a kidney stone in their lives at some time? Kidney stones are a hard piece of mineral deposits that are formed inside the kidneys. They often occur when urine becomes concentrated. This problem is also common in children. Here are the answers to the frequently asked questions about kidney stones.

Q1. Do I Have Kidney Stones?

Are you experiencing difficulty in urination? Do you have severe pain in the lower back? Do you see blood in your urine? You may have a kidney stone. Recognizing the symptoms linked with kidney stones is the initial step to get timely and proper care if you have a kidney stone. Visit a doctor as soon as possible. 

Although anyone can get kidney stones, if you have a family history of kidney stones, urinary tract infections, elevated blood pressure, bowel disorders, hormone or inherited disorders, you are at high risk of developing kidney stones.

Q2. What Do Kidney Stones Feel Like?

Kidney stone is a painful disorder. The pain may not be continuous, but it is very severe. If kidney stones block the pathway of urine, it can cause potential complications such as infections and kidney damage.

Q3. What Are The First Signs Of Kidney Stones?

Severe pain or pressure in the abdomen or one side of the back which comes and goes suddenly could be the first sign of kidney stones. The pain may prevent you from finding a comfortable position to sit or lie. You may experience pain for around 20 minutes to 1 hour. 

The pain may be accompanied by nausea, fever, chills, and difficulties in urination. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should get medical help.
 

Q4. Do Kidney Stones Hurt?

If you have a very small kidney stone, you may not experience any pain. They can easily move through your urinary tract, and you may never know that you had kidney stones. If you have large kidney stones, or if your kidney stone moves around within your kidneys, passes into the ureter, or gets stuck in the ureter, it can cause painful symptoms.

Q5. Where Does Kidney Stone Pain Start? And Where Is Kidney Stone Pain Felt?

Kidney stones are most probably on one side. Either you feel pain on the right or left side. The pain usually starts when the stone has reached from the kidney into the ureter (the tube through which the urine is transported from the kidneys to the bladder). 

You might experience sudden and severe pain in the belly or one side of your back. This pain may spread to the groin region.

Q6. What Does Passing A Kidney Stone Feel Like?

Passing kidney stones is described as the most excruciating pain. Some people even compare this pain to childbirth. Kidney stone pain often starts suddenly. You will experience intense pain followed by no pain periods. 

Smaller stones may pass within one or two weeks with the help of medications and increased fluid intake. Additional treatment is required to remove kidney stones in some people. Pain from kidney stones can present for a few days even after completely passing.

Q7. What Are Kidney Stone Attack Symptoms?

Once the kidney starts to move or grows large, it will cause:

• Pain or burning sensation during urination

• Blood in the urine

• Sharp, severe pain in the back or lower abdomen

• Nausea and vomiting

• Urine which looks cloudy and foul-smelling

• Inability to urinate 

• Constant need to urinate

• Fever and chills

Q9. Do Kidney Stones Cause Gas?

Kidney stones do not cause gas. However, patients with kidney stones may experience gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting, nausea, and stomach discomfort. You may feel bloated due to other conditions. 

Q10. Do Kidney Stones Cause Nausea And Vomiting?

If the pain is severe, a kidney stone can cause nausea and vomiting. Kidney stones will trigger the nerves in the gastrointestinal tract and cause these symptoms as a response to intense pain. 

Q11. Do Kidney Stones Cause Leg Pain?

Pain in the abdomen and back can radiate to the groin region and front of the thigh. Kidney stones generally do not cause leg pain.

Q12. Why Do Chills Occur In Kidney Stone Patients?

Chills and fever occur in kidney stone patients if they have an infection in the kidney or other part of the urinary tract. This is a serious problem that requires medical attention.

Q13. Can Kidney Stones Cause UTI Symptoms?

Blockage in the ureter can cause a backup of urine. If urine cannot pass, it will cause infection. In such cases, a patient with a kidney stone may experience the symptoms of urinary tract infection. The symptoms are pain during urination, blood in the urine, fever, more frequent urination, increased urge to urinate, and foul-smelling urine.

Q14. Why Do Frequent Urinations Occur In Kidney Stones?

When the kidney stone has moved into the lower part of the urinary tract, you may have an urgent and frequent need to go to the bathroom.

Q15. Do Kidney Stones Cause Swollen Belly?

No, but you may experience a sharp and cramping pain in the lower belly. 

Q16. How To Know If I Have Kidney Stones?

If you experience any symptoms mentioned earlier, you might have kidney stones. Those can be a symptom of other disorders also. So, the only way to know for certain that you have kidney stones is to visit a physician. 

Describe your symptoms, medications and supplements you take while visiting a physician. If your physician suspects a kidney stone, he/she may suggest you undergo a few tests to diagnose the kidney stones. Most kidney stones can be diagnosed with an X-ray.

Q17. Kidney Stone Pain Level

Many people said that kidney stone pain is the worst pain they have ever experienced. Different people experience kidney stone pain with different intensities. When the ureters contract to push the stone out, the pain gets worse. 

Severe pain occurs with kidney stones when the stones block the flow of urine and urine gets backed up. When the stone reaches the lower urinary tract it triggers the pain and burning sensation during urination. The pain usually comes and goes with kidney stones. Don’t wait for the signs to appear again to visit a doctor. Get medical advice as early as possible.

The Final Word:

Delaying the treatment for kidney stones can lead to serious complications. So, if you think you may have a kidney stone, visit a physician right away. Each type of kidney stone requires specific care. The preventive care common in all types is staying hydrated. Drink at least two and half to three litres of water every day to stay away from kidney stones.

Disclaimer: This content is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Kidney stone symptoms can resemble other serious conditions. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for accurate diagnosis and timely treatment, especially if you experience severe pain, fever, or difficulty urinating.