The Symptoms of Kidney Stones
Thursday, November 29th, 2007Symptoms of kidney stones, called nephrolithiasis, include extreme localized pain, perspiration, and often an associated infection.
Kidney stones often do not cause any symptoms. Usually, the first symptom of a kidney stone is extreme pain, which begins suddenly when a stone moves in the urinary tract and blocks the flow of urine.
Typically, a person feels a sharp, cramping pain in the back and side in the area of the kidney or in the lower abdomen. Sometimes nausea and vomiting occur. Later, pain may spread to the groin.
If the stone is too large to pass easily, pain continues as the muscles in the wall of the narrow ureter try to squeeze the stone into the bladder. As the stone moves and the body try to push it out, blood may appear in the urine, making the urine pink. As the stone moves down the ureter, closer to the bladder, a person may feel the need to urinate more often or feel a burning sensation during urination.
Prompt medical attention for kidney stones is necessary. The symptoms of kidney stones may resemble other conditions or medical problems. Always consult your physician for a diagnosis.