6 Kidney Stone Signs No One Should Ignore

Posted by Dr. R. K. Mehta on 19 November 2024

Kidney stones are small hard deposits that form in the kidney and cause discomfort and pain while moving in the urinary tract. Small kidney stones usually pass naturally but big stones often become problematic, and require medical treatment. Because it is often hard for people dealing with kidney stones to decide when to take them seriously, we decided to share the major signs no one should be ignoring. 

In this blog, Apex Hospital - home to experienced general surgeons in Sirsa, Haryana - will share the major signs that you need kidney stone surgery, and also the best ways to avoid kidney stones in the future. Let’s start by learning the signs first!

Kidney Stone Surgery: 6 Signs

Below are the major signs that you need quick medical attention and probably kidney stone surgery:

Severe pain: Also known as renal colic, kidney stone pain is often intense and sharp. It typically starts in the back and may radiate to the abdomen and groin. You can recover from mild pain with painkillers but severe pain can indicate that you require stone surgery.

The signs of severe pain are: 

- Pain that does not improve with rest or pain relievers

- Pain that comes in waves but remains intense between episodes.

- Pain is interfering with daily activities or sleep.

Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs): The risk of infection in the urinary tract can increase due to blockages caused due to kidney stones. If you have had recurring UTIs, then, it may be a kidney stone obstructing urine flow. Infections caused by stones can also pose severe health risks if not treated on time. 

Below are the major symptoms of UTIs:

- Frequent urge to urinate

- Burning sensation or pain during urination

- Fever or chills in severe cases

- Cloudy or smelly urine

Blood in the urine: Also known as hematuria, urine in the blood is one of the most common signs of kidney stones. Stones scraping against the walls of the urinary tract cause bleeding. Visible red or brown urine indicates that your kidney stone needs immediate medical treatment.

Below are the major signs of urine in the blood: 

- Pink, red, or brown-tinted urine.

- Blood in the urine becomes visible without a microscope.

- Frequent recurrence of blood in the urine

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Inability to pass urine: Large stones in the kidney often obstruct the urinary tract and make it difficult to pass urine. This is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention as it can lead to kidney damage or even failure. Surgery is the only solution left in such cases of kidney stones.

Below are the major signs of urinary blockage: 

- Complete inability to urinate.

- Weak or interrupted urine stream.

- Fullness or pressure in the bladder without relief.

- Difficulty starting the urination process.

Vomiting and persistent nausea: Vomiting and nausea are common when kidney stones cause significant discomfort. These symptoms often become persistent when a stone blocks the urinary tract to create a backup of waste and toxins. Excessive vomiting and nausea may indicate that the kidney stone needs to be surgically removed.

Below are the most common symptoms to watch for:

- Nausea that accompanies waves of kidney stone pain.

- Vomiting that follows intense pain often with no relief from nausea. 

- Sweating, lightheadedness, and feeling faint are also some common symptoms of nausea and vomiting due to kidney stones.

Stone size and composition: Kidney stone surgery often becomes necessary in some cases based on the type and size of the stone in the kidney. Stones that are too large are unlikely to exit the body on their own and require surgical intervention. Stones that are harder and less likely to pass without intervention also need kidney stone removal surgery.

The below insights will help you learn when surgery may be necessary due to stone characteristics:

- Kidney stones larger than 5-6mm in diameter

-Stones are made of less soluble materials like cystine or uric acid.

- Kidney stones with irregular sharp edges that cause more tissue damage.

Now that we know the major signs of kidney stone emergencies, let’s discover some expert tips to avoid kidney stones in the future.

How to Avoid Kidney Stones Buildup? 

Here are some recommendations to help you avoid kidney stones in the future: 

- Drink plenty of water, and produce at least 2 liters of urine daily. This is the easiest way to prevent stone formation.

- Excess intake of salt increases calcium levels in urine which can lead to calcium-based stones. So, cut back on the salt. 

- Getting calcium through foods can help you bind oxalates in the digestive tract to reduce the risk of kidney stones.

- High intake of red meat, poultry, and seafood can increase uric acid levels to raise the risk of uric acid stones. So, avoid excess of these.  

- Do you know obesity is linked to a higher risk of kidney stones? Losing weight and maintaining a balanced diet can reduce the risk of stones.

- Regular physical activity like jogging, walking, or any other activity can help you reduce calcium buildup in the kidneys.

Kidney Stone Signs and Recovery

We hope that the above blog helped you learn about the major signs that you need kidney stone surgery and the best ways to avoid them in the future. Apex Hospital is home to some of the best stone surgeons in India and offers multiple treatment plans for kidney stones. 

Do you have any questions regarding kidney stone treatment? Contact us today through WhatsApp or call us at  91680-39000 to discuss your kidney stone problems with our medical experts in Sirsa. 

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