Common Kidney Stone Symptoms Explained for Students
What are the Symptoms of Kidney Stones?
Mostly kidney stone symptoms do not cause any symptoms until it passes away in your uterus or prevents the urine from flowing. At times, an indication of these stones may vary between ages and genders. These indicators are:
Back or abdominal pain associated with discomfort in the groin of males.
Gastric discomfort often gets noticed in men.
Pain or itchiness in a woman’s vulva.
Menstrual pain or discomfort a woman often faces.
People experience a sharp and shooting pain in the sides and back, right below the rib cage.
The stone symptoms in the kidney occur in association with a burning sensation during urination.
Others may complain noticing a pink, brownish or red hue in urine, along with a foul smell.
People may suffer from nausea or vomiting.
Fever and chills are common in case there is an infection.
Children with kidney stones often feel restless, and there are chances of blood being present in urine.
There can be a difference in urine colour or frequency of urination in children.
Causes of Kidney Stones
The occurrence of kidney stones has no specific cause, and it can be a result of various factors. These include:
Insufficient intake of water and essential fluids in the body. Water regulates the balance in a human frame and keeps diseases at bay. Lack of water consumption results in the formation of stones.
High consumption of salt or intake of sodium-rich diet increases the chances of stone formation. Therefore, it is best to avoid salty foods and excess table salt in meals.
Animal proteins result in the formation of stones, as it increases uric acid in your body. So, cutting down animal protein intake in the diet is another option to reduce chances of kidney stone.
Multiple Choice Questions
Read the following questions on signs and symptoms of kidney stones and learn more about it in detail.
1. What Medication Helps in Reducing the Potential Risk of Formation of Stones in the Kidney?
Azithromycin
Hydrochlorothiazide
Penicillin
None of these
Answer: b
2. Which Age Group is More Susceptible to Stones in their Kidney?
Women between 30 to 50 years.
Men between 20 to 40 years.
Children within 11 years of age.
Young adults
None of them
Answer: b
3. What Measures can Prove Beneficial in Preventing the Formation of Stones in Kidneys?
Increase in coffee and tea intake.
Less consumption of salt.
More intake of water and fluids.
Both b and c
Answer: d
4. Which of these Tests can help in the Detection of Kidney Stones?
Computed Tomography (CT) scan.
Urine test
Ultrasound scanning
None of the above
Answer: a
Rack Your Brain
Here are a few questions on kidney stone symptoms and its after-effects. Challenge your abilities to enhance your knowledge.
1. Which of these is not Recognised as a Potential Risk for Forming a Kidney Stone?
Low intake of water
High-calorie diet
High carbohydrate intake
High animal protein consumption
More calcium intake
2. Which of the Factors Mentioned Below can Contribute to the Prevention of Nephrolithiasis Recurrence in a Person having Uric Acid Stones?
Potassium supplements
Maintaining low-sodium intake in the diet
Use of Allopurinol
Keeping a urine pH level below 5.5
Both b and c
The discourse above should have helped you with a clear picture of kidney stone symptoms. If you wish to learn such biology concepts in further detail you should avail our study materials and notes on related topics. You can also download our Vedantu app for convenient access to these study materials and online interactive sessions for better clarity.
FAQs on Kidney Stone Symptoms: Early Signs and Key Causes
1. What are the first and most common symptoms of a kidney stone?
The most common and initial symptom of a kidney stone is a severe, sharp pain in the back and side, just below the ribs. This pain, known as renal colic, often radiates to the lower abdomen and groin. It typically comes in intense waves and can fluctuate in severity as the stone moves through the urinary tract.
2. What causes kidney stones to form in the urinary system?
Kidney stones, or renal calculi, form when your urine contains more crystal-forming substances than the fluid in your urine can dilute. The main causes include:
Dehydration: Not drinking enough water leads to concentrated urine.
Diet: High intake of protein, sodium, and sugar can increase the risk of certain types of stones.
Medical Conditions: Conditions like urinary tract infections (UTIs), hyperparathyroidism, and certain genetic factors can contribute to stone formation.
Mineral Imbalance: High levels of minerals like calcium, oxalate, and uric acid in the urine.
3. Besides sharp pain, what are other key signs of kidney stones?
Beyond the characteristic pain, other important symptoms indicate a possible kidney stone. These include:
Changes in Urination: A persistent need to urinate, urinating in small amounts, or a burning sensation during urination (dysuria).
Abnormal Urine: Urine that appears cloudy, foul-smelling, or contains blood (pink, red, or brown), a condition known as hematuria.
Systemic Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, fever, and chills, which may signal an infection.
4. What are the common medical treatments for removing kidney stones?
Treatment depends on the stone's size, type, and location. While small stones may pass with increased water intake, larger or obstructive stones may require medical intervention such as:
Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL): Uses sound waves to break stones into smaller, passable pieces.
Ureteroscopy: A thin, lighted tube (ureteroscope) is passed through the urethra and bladder to the ureter to remove or break up the stone.
Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL): A surgical procedure to remove very large stones directly from the kidney through a small incision in the back.
5. How can you prevent kidney stones from forming?
Preventing kidney stones primarily involves lifestyle and dietary modifications. Key strategies include staying well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water, reducing the intake of sodium (salt) and animal protein, and limiting foods high in oxalates like spinach, nuts, and tea, especially if you are prone to calcium oxalate stones.
6. Why does the pain from a kidney stone often come in waves?
The wave-like pain, or renal colic, is not caused by the stone itself but by the body's reaction to it. The ureter, the muscular tube connecting the kidney to the bladder, uses wave-like contractions (peristalsis) to push urine. When a stone creates a blockage, the ureter contracts more forcefully to try and push the stone out. These intense muscular spasms cause the severe, fluctuating pain.
7. Are the symptoms of kidney stones different for males and females?
The core symptoms of kidney stones, such as back pain, nausea, and changes in urination, are generally the same for both males and females. However, the location where the pain radiates can differ due to anatomy. In males, pain commonly radiates to the testicles and scrotum. In females, the pain may radiate to the labia. Additionally, kidney stone symptoms in females can sometimes be mistaken for gynaecological issues or urinary tract infections.
8. How does the size of a kidney stone relate to its symptoms and treatment plan?
The size of a kidney stone is a critical factor in determining both the severity of symptoms and the necessary treatment.
Small Stones (under 4 mm): Often pass on their own with minimal or no symptoms. Increased hydration is usually recommended.
Medium Stones (4-6 mm): Have a 50-60% chance of passing naturally but may cause significant pain. Medical therapy to relax the ureter might be prescribed.
Large Stones (over 6 mm): Are unlikely to pass without intervention and are more likely to cause severe pain, block urine flow, and require medical procedures like ESWL or ureteroscopy for removal.
9. Can a kidney stone cause permanent damage if left untreated?
Yes, if left untreated, a kidney stone can lead to serious and sometimes permanent damage. An unresolved blockage can cause urine to back up into the kidney, leading to a condition called hydronephrosis (swelling of the kidney). This can cause severe infection, abscess formation, and over time, can result in a progressive loss of kidney function or even complete kidney failure in the affected kidney.
