Kidney Stone Symptoms: 10 Signs You Should Not Ignore

Kidney stones can start quietly. A small stone may pass through the urinary system without causing noticeable symptoms. But when a stone moves into the ureter—the narrow tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder—it can cause sudden and severe discomfort.

Many people first notice a kidney stone because of sharp pain in the back, side, lower abdomen or groin. Other symptoms can include changes in urine, pain while urinating, nausea, vomiting and, in some cases, fever or chills.

Knowing the early signs can help you decide when it is time to consult a doctor.

What Is a Kidney Stone?

A kidney stone is a hard, pebble-like substance that forms when certain minerals and salts become concentrated in urine and form crystals. Stones can develop in one or both kidneys.

Some kidney stones are very small and may leave the body naturally through urine without causing symptoms. Larger stones can become lodged in the urinary tract and interfere with the normal flow of urine.

Common Kidney Stone Symptoms

1. Sharp Pain in the Back or Side

One of the most common signs of a kidney stone is sudden, sharp pain in the side or back, usually below the ribs.

The pain may not remain in one place. As the stone moves through the urinary tract, discomfort can spread toward the lower abdomen or groin. The intensity may also change over time.

2. Pain That Comes and Goes

Kidney stone pain can feel different from ordinary back pain.

It may become extremely intense, ease for a while and then return. This wave-like pattern can happen as the stone moves through the ureter.

If you experience severe pain that makes it difficult to sit still or find a comfortable position, medical evaluation is important.

3. Pain or Burning While Urinating

A kidney stone can cause pain or a burning sensation when you urinate, particularly when the stone is closer to the bladder.

However, burning during urination can also occur with urinary tract infections and other conditions, so it should not automatically be assumed to be a kidney stone.

4. Blood in the Urine

Another possible sign is blood in the urine.

The urine may appear:

• Pink

• Red

• Brown or tea-colored

Sometimes blood is not visible to the naked eye and is detected during a urine test. Blood in urine should be taken seriously because kidney stones are only one possible cause.

5. Frequent Urge to Urinate

You may suddenly feel that you need to urinate more frequently than usual.

In some cases, you may also pass only a small amount of urine. These symptoms can occur when a stone moves through the urinary tract, particularly toward the bladder.

6. Nausea and Vomiting

Kidney stone pain can be accompanied by nausea or vomiting.

If severe pain is combined with repeated vomiting, it is better to seek medical attention rather than trying to manage the symptoms yourself.

7. Cloudy or Bad-Smelling Urine

Changes in the appearance or smell of urine can sometimes occur with kidney stones.

Cloudy or foul-smelling urine can also be associated with a urinary infection. If these changes occur along with pain, fever or chills, medical evaluation becomes particularly important.

8. Difficulty Passing Urine

A larger stone can become stuck and block the flow of urine.

You may notice that you cannot urinate normally, or only a small amount of urine comes out. Difficulty passing urine should not be ignored, especially when it occurs with severe pain.

9. Fever and Chills

Fever and chills can occur when an infection is present alongside a kidney stone.

A blocked urinary tract combined with infection can become serious. Therefore, fever or chills with suspected kidney stone symptoms requires prompt medical attention.

10. Pain That Moves Toward the Groin

Kidney stone pain can change location as the stone travels.

What begins as pain in the back or side may later be felt in the lower abdomen or groin. This movement is one reason kidney stone pain can sometimes be confused with other types of abdominal or urinary discomfort.

Can You Have a Kidney Stone Without Symptoms?

Yes.

Very small kidney stones may pass through the urinary tract without causing noticeable pain or other symptoms. Some stones are discovered incidentally during medical tests performed for another reason.

Symptoms are more likely to appear when a stone moves or becomes lodged in the urinary tract.

When Should You See a Doctor?

Do not ignore severe or unusual urinary symptoms.

You should seek medical attention promptly if you have:

• Severe or persistent pain

• Blood in your urine

• Fever or chills

• Severe pain with nausea or vomiting

• Difficulty passing urine

• Significant pain while urinating

These symptoms can be caused by kidney stones, but they can also occur with other urinary conditions. A healthcare professional can determine the actual cause.

If you have severe pain together with fever or chills, don't wait for the symptoms to settle on their own. A kidney stone can sometimes block urine flow and contribute to a kidney infection.

How Are Kidney Stones Diagnosed?

Symptoms alone cannot confirm that you have a kidney stone.

A doctor may recommend urine or blood tests and imaging studies depending on your symptoms. Urine testing can identify blood and certain substances associated with stone formation, while imaging can help locate a stone and identify a blockage.

The size and location of the stone are important because treatment can vary from one person to another.

What Can You Do to Reduce the Risk?

Adequate fluid intake is an important part of kidney stone prevention. Drinking enough water helps keep urine less concentrated.

For people who have already experienced kidney stones, a doctor may also recommend dietary changes or medication depending on the type of stone and the reason it formed. Prevention is not necessarily the same for everyone.

Don't Ignore Your Symptoms

Kidney stone symptoms can range from mild discomfort to severe pain. A small stone may pass without you noticing it, while a stone that becomes stuck can cause significant pain and urinary problems.

If you are experiencing symptoms that concern you, getting the right medical advice is better than trying to diagnose yourself based on symptoms alone.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Kidney Stone Symptoms

What is the first symptom of a kidney stone?

Sharp pain in the back or side is one of the most common symptoms, particularly when a stone moves into the ureter. The pain may spread toward the lower abdomen or groin.

Can kidney stones cause stomach pain?

Yes. Kidney stone pain can extend from the side or back into the lower abdomen and groin.

Can kidney stones cause blood in urine?

Yes. Kidney stones can cause pink, red or brown urine because of blood in the urinary tract. However, blood in urine can have other causes and should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

Can kidney stones cause vomiting?

Yes. Nausea and vomiting can occur along with kidney stone pain.

Is fever normal with kidney stones?

Fever and chills can occur when an infection is present. Fever with suspected kidney stone symptoms should be assessed promptly because infection and urinary blockage can be serious.

Can a kidney stone pass on its own?

Some small stones can pass naturally through urine. Larger stones may require medical treatment depending on their size, location and effect on urine flow.

Medical Disclaimer: This article is intended for general health information and is not a substitute for professional medical diagnosis or treatment. Kidney stone symptoms can overlap with other medical conditions. If you have severe pain, blood in your urine, fever, chills, vomiting or difficulty passing urine, consult a qualified healthcare professional promptly.