Kidney Stone Symptoms

Kidney stones are made from crystallized materials that form rock like objects typically in the kidneys.  These rock like objects are called kidney stones.  Kidney stones can cause no symptoms at all or be associated with severe pain.  The stones may stay in the kidneys and grow or they may become dislodged from the kidneys and pass down the urinary tract.  They pass from the kidneys, down the ureter, into the bladder and eventually out the urethra.  The majority of kidney stones are calcium based, typically calcium oxalate.  It is possible for them to be of other materials such as uric acid.

Silent kidney stones are the ones that are too small to cause any symptoms when they are passed or do not cause any irritation as they reside in the kidneys.  It is when these small silent stones grow to larger stones that the onset of symptoms typically occurs.  Larger kidney stones can cause a variety of symptoms.

Symptoms list:

Pain in the lower back.  This pain is typically on one side but it is possible to be on both sides if both kidneys have large stones.  People that have cystine kidney stones are the most likely to have kidney stones on both sides.

Spasms of intense pain can also occur.  This pain can be from between the bottom of the ribs, this is where the kidneys are, to the groin region.  This pain can be so severe that the individual will end up in the hospital.  The intense pain is usually brought on by either a very large stone trying to pass or a stone that is blocking the ureter.  If a stone blocks the ureter then the kidney will expand with fluid.  This is called hydronephrosis.

Bloody or cloudy urine can be caused by the kidney stone irritating the kidney, damaging the ureter or bladder as it passes.  Kidney stones are not always smooth, they can have jagged edges and it is these edges that cause irritation and bleeding.

It is possible for the urine to be smelly.  Smelly urine can be caused by the presence of ammonia caused by bacteria when struvite stones are created.

Nausea and vomiting
Fever and chills
Burning sensation when urinating
Urge to frequently urinate

These symptoms are similar to those associated with urinary tack infections.  One of the reasons for the similarity is because some stones are caused by urinary tact infections.