Kidney stones (or renal calculus) are collections of salt and minerals (usually consisting of uric acid or calcium) that can build up in the kidneys over time.
Contrary to what you might think, pain levels aren’t connected to the size of a stone. While large stones are often associated with more pain, even a small stone can cause huge discomfort as it moves into the ureter (a tube that connects your kidney to your bladder).
A blockage in the ureter causes pressure build-up in the kidneys and triggers adjacent nerve fibers to transmit pain signals to the brain.
Understanding the warning signs of kidney stones can lead to an earlier diagnosis and treatment, sparing the patient some agony.
Who Is Most At Risk For Kidney Stones?
There are many causes for kidney stones, but common risk factors include a poor diet, chronic dehydration, obesity, certain medical conditions (like diabetes), and medications or particular supplements.
Interestingly, while kidney stones can occur in both men and women, men are at a significantly higher risk for developing them--- about two times more likely. In fact, statistics show that more than one in eight American men will develop kidney stones at some point in their life.
In general, people are more susceptible to this condition between the ages of 20 and 50, with the highest risk occurring around the age of 30.
What Are Some Signs To Look For?
While in some cases the onset of excruciating pain can be sudden, kidney stones don’t manifest overnight. They grow over a period of months or years and may or may not be accompanied by any symptoms.
Let’s take a look at some early warning signs that can mean you’ve got kidney stones and should book an appointment with your urologist as soon as possible.
Pain And Pressure
If you’re having severe lower back or abdominal pain, or pain in your groin area, and can’t seem to get comfortable even after having changed position a number of times, you may be presenting early symptoms of renal calculus.
Nausea And Vomiting
The kidneys and GI tract share a common nerve connection which, when triggered by kidney stones, can cause nausea and even vomiting.
Additionally, some patients claim it’s the intense pain itself (often likened to childbirth or being stabbed) that causes dyspepsia.
Fever And Chills
Fever and chills can be a sign of infection and in this case, infection of the kidneys or urinary tract, or both.
To avoid sepsis, it’s important to seek immediate help.
Blood In Urine
Hematuria (or blood in the urine) can be caused by kidney stones. They can produce noticeable bleeding which presents as pink, red, or brown urine.
It’s also true that the presence of blood in the urine may be too small to see with the human eye, and can only be detected with a microscope.
Pain Or Burning During Urination
This condition--- also known as dysuria -- can masquerade as a bladder infection, so it’s important to get a diagnosis as soon as possible if you’re having symptoms so you can get the right treatment sooner rather than later.
Another symptom that’s shared by both urinary tract infections and kidney stones is the increased urgency and frequency of urination.
Change In Rate Of Flow
A blockage in the ureter can significantly restrict the flow of urine--- or stop it altogether.
If your ability to urinate is totally inhibited (acute urinary retention), you should seek medical attention immediately as this can be a life-threatening medical condition.
When It’s Time To Get Help
Although many stones will pass on their own without any treatment, in some cases a procedure is needed to diagnose, break up or remove stones altogether.
One such procedure is lithotripsy which uses high-energy shock waves to break up large stones into smaller ones.
Your doctor may also perform a retrograde pyelography, a procedure during which a small camera is passed into the bladder, and dye is injected through a small catheter so that fluoroscopy (X-rays) can be used to visualize the ureter and kidneys.
If you suspect you’re having early symptoms of kidney stones, don’t wait for the pain to become excruciating before seeking medical treatment!
The physicians and staff at Norman Urology Associates are dedicated to serving the urological needs of Norman and surrounding communities. Why not reach out to us today to make an appointment?