Symptoms of Kidney Stones

Usually the first sign of a kidney stone is intense pain in your lower back or side. This happens when the stone irritates or blocks a section of your urinary tract. The pain may spread to your groin area and inner side of your thigh (depending on the location of the stone), and the sudden onset of pain may cause nausea and vomiting. There may also be some blood in your urine if the stone has irritated the surrounding tissue.

Kidney, Ureter, Bladder, and Kidney Stone

2008 Nucleus Medical Art, Inc.

Call your doctor if you are experiencing:

• Extreme, persistent pain in your lower back or side
• Blood in your urine
• Fever and chills (an indication of infection)
• Vomiting
• Frequent urination
• Nausea
• Burning and painful sensation as you urinate

References:

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases website. Available at: http://www2.niddk.nih.gov/ .

National Kidney Foundation website. Available at: http://www.kidney.org/ .

Parmar MS. Kidney stones. Brit Med J. 2004;328:1120-1124.

Last reviewed February 2007 by David Juan, MD

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.