Kidney Stones

Symptoms

When kidney stones become large, cause a blockage or infection, or begin to pass through the ureters (long, narrow tubes that connect the kidneys to the bladder), the symptoms can be sudden and intense. The excruciating pain felt by some people is called renal colic. This sudden, sharp cramping pain usually starts in the back or side just below the edge of the ribs, and comes in waves over periods of 5 to 15 minutes. If it is associated with a passing stone, the pain may radiate to the groin as the stone moves down the ureter to the bladder. People with kidney stones often pace the floor and are unable to find a comfortable position. Other symptoms are:

• Bloody, cloudy or foul-smelling urine
• Nausea and vomiting
• Persistent urge to urinate
• Fever and chills if an infection is present

Alternatively, some kidney stones are so small they cause no symptoms, and may be discovered on an X-ray or a computed tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen performed for other reasons.