Kidney stones are hard, crystal-like deposits that develop inside the kidneys when certain minerals and salts become concentrated in the urine. They can vary in size, from tiny crystals that pass unnoticed to larger stones that can block the urinary tract and cause significant pain.
If you are wondering what are the first signs of kidney stones, one of the most common symptoms is pain in the back or side. However, kidney stones can cause several other symptoms, including changes in urination, blood in the urine, painful urination, nausea, vomiting and pain that moves toward the lower abdomen or groin.
Some kidney stones do not cause symptoms at all, particularly when they remain inside the kidney. Symptoms often begin when a stone moves into the ureter, the narrow tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder.
Recognising the early signs of kidney stones can help you seek medical attention before complications develop.
What Are the First Signs of Kidney Stones?
The first signs of kidney stones can vary depending on the size and location of the stone. A small stone may pass without causing noticeable symptoms, while a stone that becomes stuck in the ureter can cause sudden and severe discomfort.
Some of the early signs include:
- Sharp pain in the side or back
- Pain below the ribs
- Pain that moves toward the lower abdomen or groin
- Pain that comes and goes in waves
- Blood in the urine
- Burning or pain while urinating
- Frequent urination
- An urgent need to urinate
- Nausea or vomiting
- Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
It is important to remember that these symptoms can also occur with urinary tract infections and other conditions. Therefore, symptoms alone cannot confirm that you have a kidney stone.
1. Sharp Pain in the Back or Side
Pain is one of the most commonly recognised first signs of kidney stones. It usually occurs in the side or back, below the ribs, and may affect only one side of the body.
Kidney stone pain can be sudden and intense. It may also come in waves, becoming stronger and then temporarily improving.
As the stone moves through the urinary tract, the location of the pain may change. It can travel from the back or side toward the lower abdomen, pelvis or groin.
Unlike ordinary muscle pain, kidney stone pain may be difficult to relieve by changing your position. However, the severity and pattern can differ from person to person.
2. Pain That Moves Towards the Groin
A kidney stone travels from the kidney through the ureter toward the bladder. Because of this movement, the location of the pain can change.
Initially, you may feel pain in the side or back. As the stone moves downward, the discomfort may spread toward:
- The lower abdomen
- Pelvic region
- Groin
- Upper thigh
This changing pain pattern can be an important clue, especially when it occurs together with urinary symptoms.
3. Blood in the Urine
Another possible early sign of kidney stones is blood in the urine, medically known as hematuria.
The urine may appear:
- Pink
- Red
- Brown
- Tea-coloured
In some cases, the amount of blood may be too small to see with the naked eye and may only be detected during a urine test.
A stone can irritate the lining of the urinary tract as it moves, which may result in bleeding. However, blood in the urine can also be caused by urinary infections, kidney conditions and other medical problems. It should therefore be medically evaluated rather than automatically attributed to kidney stones.
4. Burning or Pain During Urination
As a kidney stone moves closer to the bladder, it can cause discomfort during urination.
You may experience:
- Burning while passing urine
- Sharp pain during urination
- Pressure in the lower abdomen
- Discomfort around the bladder or groin
Painful urination can also be caused by a urinary tract infection. If it occurs with fever, chills, cloudy urine or a strong urine odour, medical evaluation becomes particularly important.
5. Frequent or Urgent Urination
A kidney stone near the lower part of the urinary tract can make you feel that you need to urinate more frequently.
You may notice:
- A frequent need to use the bathroom
- A sudden or urgent need to urinate
- Passing only a small amount of urine
- Discomfort before or during urination
These symptoms can sometimes be mistaken for a urinary tract infection. A urine test and other investigations may be required to identify the actual cause.
6. Nausea and Vomiting
Kidney stones can cause nausea or vomiting, especially when the pain is severe.
The urinary system and digestive system are connected through shared nerve pathways. Intense pain caused by a stone can therefore trigger nausea or vomiting.
Nausea becomes more concerning when it is accompanied by:
- Severe or persistent pain
- Fever
- Chills
- Difficulty passing urine
- Signs of dehydration
Repeated vomiting can also make it difficult to maintain adequate fluid intake, which may worsen dehydration.
7. Cloudy or Foul-Smelling Urine
Changes in the appearance or smell of urine can sometimes occur in people with kidney stones.
Urine may become cloudy or develop an unusually strong or unpleasant smell. However, these symptoms are also common with urinary tract infections.
If changes in urine occur along with fever, chills, pain or difficulty urinating, it is important to seek medical attention promptly.
8. Difficulty Passing Urine
A larger stone can become lodged in the urinary tract and interfere with the normal flow of urine.
You may notice that:
- Urine flow becomes weaker
- Only a small amount of urine is passed
- You have difficulty starting urination
- You feel unable to empty your bladder completely
Complete inability to pass urine can indicate a significant obstruction and requires urgent medical assessment.
Kidney Stone Symptoms at a Glance
| Symptom | What You May Experience |
| Back or side pain | Sharp or severe pain below the ribs |
| Pain moving downward | Discomfort spreading towards the abdomen or groin |
| Blood in urine | Pink, red or brown urine |
| Painful urination | Burning or discomfort while urinating |
| Frequent urination | Needing to urinate more often |
| Urgent urination | Sudden or persistent urge to urinate |
| Nausea | Feeling sick, particularly with severe pain |
| Vomiting | May occur during intense pain |
| Cloudy urine | Urine appears less clear |
| Foul-smelling urine | Strong or unusual urine odour |
| Fever or chills | May indicate an associated infection |
| Difficulty urinating | Reduced urine flow or inability to urinate |
These symptoms are not exclusive to kidney stones, so proper medical evaluation is important.
Why Do Kidney Stones Form?
Kidney stones develop when certain substances in urine become highly concentrated and form crystals. These crystals can gradually combine and grow into stones.
Several factors can increase the likelihood of developing kidney stones, including:
- Not drinking enough water
- Excessive salt intake
- A diet high in certain animal proteins
- Obesity
- A family history of kidney stones
- Previous kidney stones
- Certain digestive disorders
- Recurrent urinary infections
- Certain metabolic conditions
- Some medications and supplements
There are different types of kidney stones, including calcium stones, uric acid stones, struvite stones and cystine stones. Identifying the type of stone can help doctors recommend appropriate preventive measures.
Can Kidney Stones Cause No Symptoms?
Yes. Kidney stones do not always cause noticeable symptoms.
A small stone may remain inside the kidney without causing pain. Some small stones may also pass through the urinary tract without the person realising it.
Symptoms are more likely when a stone moves into the ureter, becomes lodged, or interferes with the normal flow of urine.
Therefore, the absence of pain does not always mean that kidney stones are not present.
When Should You See a Doctor for Kidney Stones?
If you experience unexplained pain in your side or back, blood in your urine, painful urination or recurring urinary symptoms, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional.
You should seek urgent medical attention if you experience:
- Severe or unbearable pain
- Fever or chills
- Persistent vomiting
- Blood in the urine
- Difficulty passing urine
- Inability to urinate
- Severe pain that does not improve
Fever and chills are particularly important because they may indicate an infection. An infection occurring alongside urinary blockage can become serious and requires prompt treatment.
How Are Kidney Stones Diagnosed?
A doctor may diagnose kidney stones based on your symptoms, medical history, physical examination and diagnostic tests.
Depending on your symptoms, investigations may include:
Urine Tests
A urine test can identify blood, signs of infection and certain substances that may contribute to stone formation.
Blood Tests
Blood tests can help evaluate kidney function and check levels of substances such as calcium and uric acid.
Imaging Tests
Imaging can help determine whether a stone is present and identify its size and location. Depending on the patient’s age, symptoms and clinical condition, a doctor may recommend an ultrasound, CT scan or another appropriate imaging test.
How Are Kidney Stones Treated?
Treatment depends on several factors, including the size and location of the stone, whether it is causing an obstruction, and whether an infection is present.
Small kidney stones may sometimes pass naturally. Doctors may recommend adequate fluid intake, pain management and monitoring, depending on the individual situation.
For larger stones or stones that do not pass naturally, treatment may include procedures such as:
- Shock wave lithotripsy
- Ureteroscopy
- Other minimally invasive stone removal procedures
- Surgical treatment in selected cases
A urologist can determine the most suitable treatment based on the individual patient’s condition.
How Can Kidney Stones Be Prevented?
Drinking enough water is one of the most important measures for reducing the risk of kidney stones. Adequate hydration helps dilute substances in the urine that can form crystals.
Other preventive measures may include:
- Drinking sufficient water throughout the day
- Reducing excessive salt intake
- Maintaining a balanced diet
- Maintaining a healthy body weight
- Following medical advice regarding dietary calcium and oxalate
- Managing conditions that increase stone risk
- Following prescribed preventive medicines when required
If you have had kidney stones previously, your doctor may recommend additional tests to determine why they formed and how future stones can be prevented.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kidney Stones
What are the first signs of kidney stones?
The first signs of kidney stones can include sharp pain in the side or back, pain that moves towards the lower abdomen or groin, blood in the urine, painful urination, frequent urination, nausea and vomiting. Some people may have no symptoms until the stone moves into the ureter.
Where does kidney stone pain usually start?
Kidney stone pain commonly starts in the side or back below the ribs. As the stone moves through the urinary tract, the pain may travel towards the lower abdomen or groin.
Can kidney stones cause blood in urine?
Yes. A kidney stone can irritate the urinary tract and cause blood in the urine. The urine may appear pink, red or brown, although blood may sometimes only be detected through laboratory testing.
Can kidney stones cause frequent urination?
Yes. A stone, particularly one that has moved closer to the bladder, may cause a frequent or urgent need to urinate.
Can kidney stones go away on their own?
Some smaller kidney stones can pass naturally without a procedure. Whether a stone will pass depends on factors such as its size and location. A doctor can determine whether monitoring is appropriate or whether treatment is necessary.
Are kidney stones dangerous?
Many kidney stones can be treated successfully, but a stone that blocks urine flow or occurs together with an infection can become a serious medical problem. Prompt medical evaluation is important when severe symptoms occur.
Conclusion
Knowing what are the first signs of kidney stones can help you recognise symptoms and seek medical attention at the right time. Sharp pain in the side or back, pain that moves towards the lower abdomen or groin, blood in the urine, painful urination, frequent urination, nausea and vomiting are some of the symptoms that may occur when a kidney stone moves through the urinary tract.
However, these symptoms can also occur with other urinary or abdominal conditions. Severe pain, fever, chills, repeated vomiting or difficulty passing urine should not be ignored.
If you experience symptoms that may indicate kidney stones, consult a qualified healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis. Early evaluation can help determine the size and location of the stone, identify possible complications and guide appropriate treatment.
Medical Disclaimer: This blog is intended for general educational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you experience severe pain, fever, chills, persistent vomiting, blood in the urine or difficulty urinating, seek prompt medical attention.
Contact Details:
Kolekar Hospital & ICCU
| Multispeciality Hospital in Chembur |
Address: 2nd Floor, Omprakash Arcade, Approach to Ambedkar Garden Bus Stop Chembur Gaothan, Chembur 2nd & 3rd floor Omprakash Arcade, at Ambedkar garden, Chembur, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400071
Phone: 02235083100
Website: kolekarhospital.com
