Kidney stone symptoms

Written by Wang Jian
Urology
Updated on September 29, 2024
00:00
00:00

The symptoms of kidney stones depend on the size and shape of the stone, as well as its location in the kidney, whether there are infections, obstructions, and other factors. Smaller kidney stones, which are smooth, can be expelled with the urine without causing noticeable symptoms. Stones lodged in the lower part of the renal pelvis or in the calyces can be asymptomatic. If the kidney stones are larger, located in the calyces or the renal pelvis, they can compress the kidney and cause back pain or dull pain because the stones can lead to the dilation or obstruction of the renal pelvis or kidney. Patients may experience back pain, fever, and if there is an infection, localized fever may occur. Additionally, kidney stones can scratch the mucous membrane of the ureter or kidney, causing bleeding.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Wang Shuai
Urology
36sec home-news-image

Can kidney stones recur?

Kidney stones are recurrent because their formation is related to daily water intake, diet, genetics, lifestyle habits, and certain diseases. Therefore, even if the stones are treated surgically or expelled from the body through conservative means, recurrence can occur if dietary and lifestyle habits are not monitored or if the primary disease is not controlled. It is important to drink plenty of water, urinate frequently, and dilute the urine to reduce the recurrence of stones. If there are specific diseases present, such as hyperuricemia or hyperparathyroidism, active treatment is necessary.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Wang Jian
Urology
51sec home-news-image

Is kidney stone surgery painful?

For the treatment of kidney stones, larger kidney stones or multiple stones, stag-horn stones might consider surgical treatment. There are two types of surgery, the first is percutaneous nephrolithotomy, which involves inserting a nephroscope through a puncture in the kidney to break up and expel the stones from the body; the second type of surgery is ureteroscopy, which does not require an incision, by entering the kidney through the urethra and ureter, and then breaking up the stones and expelling them from the body. Both surgical methods are performed under anesthesia, so the patient will not feel pain. However, pain after ureteroscopy is typically less than that after percutaneous nephrolithotomy, which requires absolute bed rest post-operation, while ureteroscopy does not.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Chen Feng
Urology
1min 1sec home-news-image

Early symptoms of kidney stones in women

The initial symptoms of kidney stones in women vary depending on the size of the stone and whether the stone causes an obstruction. Generally, during the early stages of kidney stones, the stones are relatively small and do not cause obstruction in the kidney or bladder, and typically do not present any symptoms. However, if a small stone moves downward and accidentally gets stuck in a naturally narrow part of the ureter, it can cause symptoms such as pain and discomfort in the lower back, nausea, and vomiting. If the stone gets stuck at the junction of the ureter and the bladder, it irritates the bladder mucosa, leading to symptoms of frequent urination, urgent urination, and painful urination. However, small stones generally pass on their own. Analgesics can be used for symptomatic treatment. Additionally, medications that dilate the ureter, along with drinking plenty of water and physical activity such as jumping, generally help the stone to pass.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Guan Hai Fang
Urology
42sec home-news-image

What should be noted for kidney stones?

If you have kidney stones, you should avoid vigorous exercise and heavy physical labor in daily life, and avoid eating foods that may aggravate kidney stones. For example, do not eat persimmons, drink tea, consume tofu, or eat too many soy products, etc. The reason to avoid persimmons is that they contain tannins, which can contact stomach acid and more easily bond with plant fibers, forming a stone that may worsen kidney stones. In other aspects, pay attention to a light diet because inflammation is more likely to occur with kidney stones, so avoid eating spicy and stimulating foods. It is recommended that patients go to a regular hospital for examination and treatment.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Wang Jian
Urology
1min home-news-image

Which department should I go to for kidney stones?

Kidney stones should be treated by a urologist. For kidney stones, a urology department will perform an ultrasound of the urinary system to examine them. The symptoms of kidney stones mainly depend on the size, shape, and location of the stones, as well as the presence of any obstructions or complications such as infections. Smaller kidney stones often do not cause any symptoms in patients unless the stone falls into the ureter, which can cause acute renal colic, severe lumbar and abdominal pain, and sometimes nausea, vomiting, frequent urination, urgency, and hematuria. If kidney stones are accompanied by a urinary obstruction or infection, patients may experience persistent high fever. If the kidneys have multiple columnar stones, it can lead to impaired renal function and cause renal insufficiency. Therefore, kidney stones should be taken seriously. If the stones are relatively large, consider surgical treatment or lithotripsy.