Catching These Kidney Stone Symptoms Early Could Save You a Trip to the Hospital
Plus learn what increases your risk, from menopause to eating too much protein
Passing a kidney stone is often described as one of the most painful experiences a person can have—some have even compared it to childbirth. But if you know how to spot the early warning signs, there are a few steps you can take to help pass the stone while it’s still small, potentially avoiding the worst of the pain. Here, the kidney stone symptoms you need to know, including how it can sometimes masquerade as other health conditions like a UTI.
What are kidney stones?
Kidney stones are a buildup of substances like calcium, oxalate and phosphate inside your kidneys. When everything is working smoothly, these substances get dissolved in your urine and flushed out of the body. But when you’re not drinking enough water, they can build up and form crystals, triggering sharp pains and discomfort.
“Kidney stones are caused when minerals and salts in your urine become concentrated to the point where they stick together and crystallize,” explains Justin Houman, MD, FACS, Assistant Professor of Urology at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.
Woman's World Answers
The four main types of kidney stones are:
- Calcium stones (either calcium oxalate or calcium phosphate)
- Uric acid stones
- Struvite stones
- Cystine stones
Some kidney stones are as small as a grain of sand, and you might pass them in your urine without even noticing. “Many people will have little to no symptoms,” adds Amy Yau, MD, a nephrologist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.
Untreated stones pose serious health risks
Over time, the crystals may form larger stones, which can get lodged in the ureter, bladder or urethra. Passing those larger stones can be excruciating, and the pain is sometimes called a “kidney stone attack.”
Occasionally, a stone may become too large to pass on its own, which can lead to serious complications if it’s left untreated. “If a stone blocks the flow of urine, pressure can build up in the kidney, potentially causing permanent kidney damage,” Dr. Houman cautions. “Untreated stones can also lead to infections, which can be life-threatening if bacteria enter the bloodstream.”
What causes kidney stones?
Kidney stones are relatively common. According to the Cleveland Clinic, around 10 percent of people will experience a kidney stone in their lifetime. Dehydration is the biggest risk factor, Dr. Houman says, and drinking enough fluids each day is the easiest way to prevent them.
But there are a few other factors that can also increase your risk. They include:
- Diet. Certain dietary habits can raise your risk of developing kidney stones, such as a high-sodium diet, excessive protein intake or not eating enough fruits and veggies, Dr. Yau explains.
- Certain health conditions. You may have a higher risk of developing kidney stones if you have obesity, type 2 diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or primary hyperparathyroidism, Dr. Yau says.
- Menopause. While men are twice as likely to develop kidney stones, a woman’s risk increases after menopause. “Changes in estrogen levels can alter calcium handling in the body and may increase urinary calcium levels,” Dr. Houman explains. “Bone density loss can also contribute, as calcium released from bones enters the bloodstream and eventually the urine. Combined with potential changes in hydration habits, this can slightly raise a woman’s risk of stones later in life.”
Kidney stone symptoms you should never ignore
When you have a large kidney stone, the symptoms are usually hard to miss. “The classic symptom is sudden, severe flank pain that can radiate to the lower abdomen or groin, often described as one of the worst pains imaginable,” Dr. Houman says. You may also experience:
- Blood in your urine
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- A frequent or urgent need to urinate
Early kidney stone symptoms in women, however, can be easy to overlook. “In women, kidney stone pain can sometimes mimic menstrual cramps, a urinary tract infection or even gastrointestinal issues like gas or constipation, which can delay diagnosis,” Dr. Houman says. You may notice:
- Mild discomfort in your side
- Pain that changes location as the stone moves
- Urine that’s cloudy, foul-smelling or has a subtle pink or brown color
Kidney stone symptoms may also be mistaken for standard aches and pains at first. “Sometimes people complain of off-and-on chronic back pain, which often gets diagnosed as musculoskeletal,” Dr. Yau adds.
What to do if you think you have a kidney stone
If you’re experiencing mild kidney stone symptoms, talk to your primary care physician ASAP. “The earlier we catch a stone, the more likely it can be managed without surgery,” Dr. Houman says. “Small stones often pass on their own with hydration and pain management.”
While you wait for the stone to pass, your doctor may prescribe pain relievers or a medication called tamsulosin, which helps to relax the muscles in the urinary system, Dr. Yau says.
For larger stones that can’t pass on their own, your doctor may use shock waves to break up the stone into smaller pieces. Or, depending on the size and location, you may need a surgical procedure known as percutaneous nephrolithotomy to remove the stone.
And watch for any signs of serious complications. “If you have severe pain, fever, chills or difficulty urinating, go to the emergency room immediately,” Dr. Houman says. “Those can be signs of a dangerous blockage or infection.”
Conversation
All comments are subject to our Community Guidelines. Woman's World does not endorse the opinions and views shared by our readers in our comment sections. Our comments section is a place where readers can engage in healthy, productive, lively, and respectful discussions. Offensive language, hate speech, personal attacks, and/or defamatory statements are not permitted. Advertising or spam is also prohibited.
