Kidney stones are one of those things no one wanna get but lot of people get them. If you or someone you know had kidney stones, you know how painful it can be. But many people don’t even realize they have stones till the pain hits real bad.
So here i’ll try to tell you about common kidney stone symptoms in simple words so you can catch it early and not suffer too much.
What Are Kidney Stones?
Ok so kidney stones are hard little rocks made of minerals and salts that form inside your kidneys. Sometimes these stones just stay there and dont cause much problem but most times they move down your urinary tract and then the pain starts.
They can be tiny like a grain of sand or as big as a golf ball! Size really matters coz bigger stones hurt way more.
Why Do Kidney Stones Form?
Lots of reasons, like:
-
Not drinking enough water (this is biggest reason)
-
Eating too much salty or sugary food
-
Being overweight or eating unhealthy
-
Family history of stones
-
Some medical problems like gout or infections
-
Certain meds
Basically if your pee got too much minerals and less water, the minerals stick and form stones.
Symptoms Of Kidney Stones
Symptoms depend on stone size and where it is in urinary system. Here’s what people usually feel:
1. Bad Pain in Back or Side
Most common symptom is sudden and bad pain in side or back below ribs. Many say this pain is worst ever, even worse than childbirth or getting stabbed lol.
Pain may start in back then move to lower tummy or groin as stone moves.
2. Pain When Peeing
You might feel burning or pain while peeing. This happens when stone rubs inside urinary tract.
3. Frequent Urge To Pee
You feel like peeing all time but only small amount comes out sometimes.
4. Blood In Urine
If pee looks pink, red, or brown, means stone scratched inside and caused bleeding. Sometimes blood is only visible in tests.
5. Nausea And Vomiting
Pain can make you feel sick or throw up.
6. Cloudy Or Smelly Pee
If pee smells bad or looks cloudy, maybe infection is there too.
7. Fever And Chills
If you get fever with chills, means infection and you should see doctor urgently.
8. Restlessness
Pain is so bad you cant sit still, you keep moving or changing position to get relief.
When To See Doctor?
See doctor if:
-
Pain is very bad and not going away
-
Blood in urine
-
Fever with chills
-
Trouble peeing or no pee at all
-
Nausea and vomiting, cant keep water down
Don’t wait too long because stones can block urine flow and cause serious problems.
How Do Doctors Diagnose?
Doctors usually listen your belly and do urine or blood tests. Then they use ultrasound or CT scan to find stones.
Treatment For Kidney Stones
Small stones pass on their own with lots of water and pain meds. Bigger stones need surgery or other treatments.
Doctors may give medicines to help pass stones or stop new ones forming.
How To Prevent Kidney Stones?
You can prevent stones by:
-
Drinking lots of water every day (atleast 8 glasses)
-
Avoiding too much salt and sugary drinks
-
Eating healthy food and exercising
-
Avoiding too much protein
-
Following doctors advice if you have other health problems
Who Is More At Risk?
-
People who dont drink enough water
-
Family history of stones
-
Older people and men get stones more
-
People with some medical conditions
Final Thoughts
Kidney stones are painful and scary but if you know symptoms early and get treatment, you can avoid big problems.
If you feel bad pain in your side or back, blood in pee, or fever, don’t ignore it. Go see doctor and get checked.
Drink water and take care! If you want, i can write about kidney stone treatments or home remedies too.