what are symptoms of kidney stone

Kidney stones can indeed cause quite a bit of discomfort, and it’s understandable to be concerned. The primary symptom people often describe is severe pain, typically in the back or side, that can radiate down into the groin or abdomen. This pain can come and go in waves, as the stone moves through your urinary tract, sometimes described as one of the most intense types of pain. You mentioned experiencing nausea, which is another common symptom alongside vomiting, often accompanying the severe pain due to kidney stones. The presence of blood in your urine is also a significant indicator since stones can scratch the lining of your urinary tract as they pass, leading to what we call hematuria. It’s also possible that there may be an increased need to urinate, or you might notice a change in urine color if a stone is causing some obstruction or irritation.

In terms of what to do next, it would be wise to seek a medical evaluation, especially given the intensity of your symptoms and the presence of blood in your urine. These are good reasons to see a healthcare provider who might order imaging tests like an ultrasound or a CT scan to confirm the diagnosis. They might also check for infection, since kidney stones can sometimes lead to complications like urinary tract infections (UTIs). Continue staying hydrated, as this can help the stone pass more easily, but also be mindful of your body’s signals and avoid anything that exacerbates the pain. If the pain becomes unbearable, or if you experience fever and chills, this can indicate a medical emergency, and you should seek immediate care.

Avoiding excess salt and watching calcium intake can be part of preventing future stones, but your doctor can give specific recommendations based on the stone’s composition, if it’s identified. While web searches can sometimes be a double-edged sword by raising anxiety, being informed is good, so discussing these findings with a healthcare professional is a great next step. They’ll provide the guidance suited to your specific health situation and help put together a plan to manage and mitigate this and any concerns.