Kidney Stones: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Medical Advice

Kidney stones form when minerals and salts in the urine harden and accumulate in the kidneys. This accumulation is also called nephrolithiasis or urolithiasis.

Kidney stones can be caused by diet, excess weight, health problems, certain supplements, and medications. Kidney stones can affect any part of the urinary tract.

Kidney stones form when urine becomes concentrated, causing minerals to crystallize and stick together. If detected early, kidney stones generally do not cause permanent damage. Pain relievers and drinking plenty of water are recommended to help pass the stones from the kidney, depending on the location of the stone.

Sometimes stones get stuck in the urinary tract. If this happens, infection can occur, and surgery may be necessary.

Symptoms of Kidney Stones

Kidney stones typically do not show symptoms until they move within the kidney and into the urinary tract. If a stone gets stuck in the urinary tract, the kidney can swell and the tube can narrow, causing severe pain. The following symptoms may then appear:

– Severe pain in the chest, side, and back, below the ribs,
– Pain in the lower abdomen that radiates to the waist,
– Waves of pain that come and go
– Pain or burning sensation during urination
– Urine color turning pink, red, or brown and having an odor
– Feeling the urge to urinate more often than usual
– Fever and chills due to infection

When to Seek Medical Advice?

Seek immediate medical advice if these symptoms appear – the pain is so severe that you cannot sit still,
nausea and vomiting are occurring with the pain,
you are experiencing fever and chills along with the pain,
blood is visible in the urine,
it is becoming difficult to urinate.

(Disclaimer: This content, including advice, provides general information only, always consult a specialist or your doctor for more information.)