Kidney stones are common and come in several different types of shapes, sizes, and compositions. The symptoms of kidney stones vary depending on the shape and composition of the stone but may include back pain, fever, nausea, vomiting, cramps, vomiting blood or urine, abdominal pain and heavy to severe lower extremity swelling. The treatment might require a variety of therapies like a lithotripsy procedure that uses shock waves to break up kidney stones.
What are kidney stones?
Kidney stones are usually small amounts of crystalized minerals that form in the kidneys. They can build up into bigger stones that can cause intense pain and may require a needle to break them up. If left untreated, kidney stones can lead to an infection or even death. It’s important to visit your doctor if you have been experiencing these symptoms for more than two weeks.
Kidney stone symptoms
Kidney stone symptoms can vary from person to person. However, there are certain symptoms that many people have in common. These include: pain in the side or back near the kidneys, vomiting with blood, black or cloudy urine, and extreme pain when urinating. Kidney stones often become painful when they pass into the ureter which is the tube that connects your kidney to your bladder. If a stone becomes lodged in this area, it can be life-threatening due to the risk of urinary blockage and subsequent damage to body organs.
How to avoid kidney stones
Kidney stones are hard, small pieces of calcium and other minerals that form in the kidneys. They can often form when too much pressure is put on the kidney, or if a person drinks too much water or urinates frequently. Symptoms of a stone in the kidney can include pain or cramping in the abdomen, back, flank, groin or perineum.
Treatments for kidney stones
Kidney stones are very painful because they cause severe ureter spasms, or cramps. They can be caused by a buildup of substances within the urine, which irritates the bladder and causes it to contract. Serious symptoms include nausea, vomiting, fever, chills, pain in the back or side of your lower abdomen, blood in your urine and dysuria (an unpleasant burning sensation). To help relieve pain, people may drink fluids such as water with a small amount of salt to help decrease the levels of uric acid passing through the kidneys.
Conclusion
Kidney stones can be painful, but there are ways to help prevent them from happening. The symptoms of kidney stones vary depending on the stone and size. Some include a sudden, severe pain that comes and goes immediately after urination or side pain in one or both lower abdominal quadrants. There is usually a fever and nausea as well. A high-fiber diet may also help decrease the risk of kidney stones by helping to prevent constipation.
