Dealing with unexplained pain, nausea, or difficulty passing urine? These could be more than just minor discomforts—they might be warning signs of kidney stones. If left untreated, kidney stones can cause severe pain and lead to complications.
The pain from kidney stones can come out of nowhere, and it’s often unbearable. Ignoring the symptoms can make the situation worse and lead to emergency treatments. But how do you know if it’s really kidney stones?
In this blog, we’ll break down five clear signs that could mean you have kidney stones, so you can catch them early and get the right treatment before the pain takes over.
5 Signs & Symptoms Of Having Kidney Stones
Kidney stones can be incredibly painful and disruptive, but the sooner you recognize the symptoms, the quicker you can get treatment. Here are five common signs that might indicate you have kidney stones:
- Sharp Pain in the Lower Back or Side
One of the most noticeable signs is intense, sharp pain in your lower back or side, often on one side of your body. This pain can come on suddenly and in waves, and it may radiate to your lower abdomen or groin as the stone moves through your urinary tract.
- Blood in Urine
Seeing blood in your urine is a common sign of kidney stones. The stones can cause tiny cuts or irritation in your urinary tract, leading to pink, red, or brown discoloration in your urine. Even if you can’t see the blood, a doctor can detect it through tests.
- Frequent Urination with Little Output
If you feel the constant need to pee but can only pass small amounts, it could be due to a kidney stone blocking part of your urinary tract. The frequent urge to go, paired with little output, can be a key sign of stones.
- Nausea and Vomiting
Kidney stones can affect more than just your urinary system. They can also irritate nearby nerves in your digestive tract, leading to nausea and vomiting. If you’re feeling queasy along with other symptoms, it might be related to the stones.
- Pain During Urination
A burning sensation or sharp pain while urinating can occur if a kidney stone is passing through your urethra. This discomfort can range from mild to severe, making it hard to urinate comfortably.
If you’re experiencing any of these signs, it’s important to consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment. Kidney stones can be managed, and catching them early can help prevent severe pain and complications.
What You Should Do If You Have These Signs?
If you’re experiencing the telltale signs of kidney stones—sharp pain, blood in your urine, frequent bathroom trips with little output, nausea, or painful urination—don’t ignore them. Here’s what you should do next:
- Stay Hydrated
Drinking plenty of water is one of the best things you can do. Water helps flush the stones out of your system faster. Aim for at least 8-10 glasses a day, and try to avoid sodas and other sugary drinks.
- See a Doctor Immediately
Don’t wait for the symptoms to get worse. If you’re experiencing severe pain, blood in your urine, or vomiting, contact your healthcare provider right away. They can perform tests like ultrasounds or CT scans to confirm the presence of kidney stones and their size.
- Take Pain Relief
Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce the discomfort. But always consult with your doctor before taking medication, especially if your pain is severe.
- Follow Your Doctor’s Advice on Treatment
Depending on the size and type of your kidney stones, your doctor may recommend different treatments. Small stones can often pass on their own with plenty of water and some pain management, but larger stones may need medical intervention, such as shock wave therapy or surgery.
- Monitor Your Symptoms
Keep an eye on your symptoms, and if they get worse—like if your pain becomes unbearable or you’re unable to pass urine—seek emergency medical attention. Don’t hesitate to get help if your body is telling you something’s wrong.
By acting quickly and following these steps, you can manage your symptoms and reduce the risk of complications. Always consult your doctor to ensure the best course of action for your situation!
CureStone: Your Reliable Kidney Health Partner
Kidney problems can be tricky to cope with, but with us at CureStone you will acquire solutions that provide relief and results in the long run. Our experts create a care plan that will meet all of your specific needs in terms of prevention and treatment, taking care of you from the first appointment to the recovery.
Indeed, with us you will not only get rid of your present kidney stone issues, but also significantly decrease the chances of them returning. We combine the latest prevention methods and technologies to provide you with intrusions that are as minimally painful as possible and to guarantee that your stones stay away for good. We will provide you with an in-depth evaluation and create a care plan that focuses on the underlying causes of renal stone formations.
If you are ready to clean up this long-standing mess, feel free to reach out to us – we will give you our support and work together to make sure you will never have to deal with stones again.