what are the symptoms of kidney stone - #22612
I am a bit freaked out right now. Last week, I started having this weird pain in my lower back. At first, I thought it was just muscle strain from lifting something heavy, but then the pain got more intense and moved to my side. I can't really describe it, but it feels like a sharp, stabbing kind of pain. I’m also dealing with some nausea and have noticed I’m peeing way more than usual... like super frequent, but the urine looks kinda cloudy sometimes too. I did some googling (which I know probably isn't the best idea!), and I stumbled across stuff about kidney stones. Anyway, this has me questioning, what are the symptoms of kidney stone exactly? I’ve read about the classic severe pain, but I’m also wondering if maybe other weird symptoms are part of it. Like, can nausea be a sign? My friends say I should go see a doctor, but between work and family stuff, it’s hard to find the time. I'm just really hoping it’s not anything serious. What are the symptoms of kidney stone? If anyone has had this, how bad is the pain really? Should I just wait it out or try to get in to see someone soon?
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Doctors' responses
Kidney stones can definitely cause the symptoms you’re experiencing, and you’re right—looking it up online can often lead to more worry than clarity. You described some of the classic signs. The hallmark symptom is intense pain, typically in the lower back, side, and sometimes radiating towards the groin. It can be one of the most severe types of pain—often described as stabbing or cramping. This pain is due to the stone moving within the kidney or ureter, causing blockage. Nausea and vomiting are indeed common accompaniments, as the body reacts to the intense pain and blockage.
Frequent urination, feeling the urgent need to urinate, and changes in urine appearance, like cloudiness, are also symptoms. Blood in the urine, which might not always be visible to the naked eye, can also occur, so the cloudy appearance could suggest this. Once the stone reaches the bladder, the pain may decrease but urination symptoms can persist. Fever and chills would be more concerning as they might indicate an infection, which requires immediate medical attention.
Since your symptoms include severe pain and you’ve seen changes in your urination patterns, it’s important not to dismiss them. Even though it might be inconvenient, seeing a doctor sooner rather than later would be wise. They can confirm the presence of a kidney stone through imaging tests like an ultrasound or CT scan, and suggest the best course of action. Often, small stones can pass without intervention, though pain management might be necessary. However, larger stones might require different treatments, ranging from medications to procedures helping the stone pass more quickly or breaking it down.
Avoid delaying a consultation, especially if the pain becomes unbearable, or if you develop a fever, as this could signal complications. Meanwhile, ensure you stay hydrated, as this may assist in flushing out the stone if it’s small enough, but do so only after consulting with a healthcare professional. Pain relief medications might be necessary, but before taking anything, it’s best to have a discussion with your doctor to avoid improper self-management. This can save future complications and address your current discomfort efficiently.
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