How it feels could be based on the size of the kidney stone and its position and whether it’s creating infections.
Kidney stones are solid masses that can form within your kidneys. The minerals such as calcium and others in urine can form crystals, which then turn into stones that range from small grains of sand to pebbles or even chunks of gravel.
Many factors can cause kidney stones for a variety of reasons. For instance, research suggests that high-dose vitamin C supplementation increases the risk of developing kidney stones in men. Antibiotics can play a role too. The most significant factor is not staying hydrated.
Perhaps you’re thinking: What is a kidney stone feel like? Although kidney stones are usually small, they can cause extreme discomfort. However, that’s not the only sign. Check out the most frequent symptoms of kidney stones.
Common Signs and Symptoms
In some instances, small kidney stones can pass through without pain. However, kidney stones can stop urine flow or become trapped in the ureters – the narrow passageways through which urine flows from the kidneys to the bladder. They can trigger a variety of undesirable side effects.
Pain
The pain of kidney stones is typically described as severe, equal to or surpassing the pain associated with childbirth.
A small study conducted asked women who had experienced childbirth to assess the pain that they experienced against the pain associated with a kidney stone that block their urinary tract. Most of the respondents considered the pain caused by stones worse. In the same study, the majority of males reported the kidney stones as the most painful pain they’ve ever had, and the majority of respondents also believed that the pain level was less than childbirth or comparable to it.
Kidney stone pain could appear as intense cramping or agonizing pains. The pain may appear in waves, a bit tough one day and weakening the next. It may occur in various places, such as the belly, backside, and groin. men may experience discomfort in their testicles or the point of the penis, while females may feel pain in their genitals.
Blood in Urine
If your urine isn’t the usual yellow hue and instead appears pink, red or brown, it is a sign or presence of blood within your urine. This is among the most common signs associated with kidney stones.
The presence of blood in urineis known as hematuria. Sometimes, this blood can be seen by an unaided eye, but at other times, it’s only visible through an optical microscope. It could be a sign of a variety of different conditions. Therefore the presence of this sign alone doesn’t suggest that there are stones.
Urination problems
If you suffer from a kidney stone, you may be experiencing changes in your urine behaviors. They could be:
- The need to go several times. Constant Urination is a typical indication of kidney stones.
- Inability to urinate or difficulty going to the bathroom.
- A sensation of burning when urinating.
- Urine that is cloudy in appearance or smells unpleasant.
Nausea and Vomiting
It is possible to experience pain in the belly area. However, nausea or vomiting is the only GI system symptom associated with a kidney stone. These symptoms could be due to discomfort.
Fever
A fever, often occurs with chills, is another sign of kidney stones. It’s also a sign that you could be suffering from an infection of your urinary tract (UTI). Get medical attention immediately if you have high temperature and pain in your lower back and abdomen. This combination could signify a UTI that can develop into sepsis-like, a life-threatening condition.
When to See a Healthcare Professional
Kidney stones are among the most frequently cited reasons to visit the emergency room. Depending on its dimensions and location, patients could require treatment to eliminate or break the stone, as well as medication to ease the pain.
If the pain you are experiencing isn’t so severe, you may not feel that going to the doctor is required. If you do notice any symptoms, speak to your doctor. With your symptoms, your physician might recommend Imaging procedures, such as ultrasounds and X-rays, as well as urine and blood tests, to identify your medical condition.
Recap
Kidney stones can trigger discomfort and other unpleasant symptoms. While some stones can pass unattended, others might require treatment, particularly in cases where a blockage is occurring within the ureter or showing symptoms of an infection. Contact your physician if you suspect you may have an obstruction.
