Have you ever experienced kidney stones, or do you know someone who has? This form of pain can be intense and can pass through your urinary tract. Recognizing the symptoms early on and where they are is vital to treating this condition. Let’s learn what kidney stone pain feels like, the key symptoms, and what to do when it becomes an emergency.
What Does Kidney Stone Pain Feel Like?
Kidney stones are known as hard, mineral-rich deposits that form when salt and minerals crystallize and harden. When they start to move and enter the ureter, which is the narrow, muscle-lined tube that carries urine from each kidney to the bladder, they start to become painful. It can cause inflammation and urine blockage; the pressure building up behind the stone is what causes the intense pain from the stone. Kidney stone pain can come in waves and could turn up in different locations over time. Expect sharp, stabbing sensations or cramping discomfort.
Where Does Kidney Stone Pain Occur?
Kidney stone pain usually occurs in the back and one side of the back. It usually happens beneath the ribs where the kidneys are located. The pain usually happens suddenly and can move towards the lower abdomen. It could also radiate towards the groin or pelvic area.
Other Symptoms That Can Happen With Kidney Stone Pain
There are also some symptoms you must be aware of, in addition to the sharp pain. An important thing to know is that not everyone dealing with kidney stones is going to experience these symptoms. Here are some of the most common symptoms of kidney stone pain:
- A constant urge to urinate more often than usual.
- Cloudy or foul-smelling urine.
- Pink, red, or brown urine.
- Upset stomach or vomiting due to serious pain.
- Blood in the urine.
- Painful or burning urination.
- Sweating.
- Restlessness.
How Long Does This Pain Last?
This pain could vary in duration of its length. Also, it could change as the stone moves. The size of the stone also has an impact on your pain level. Smaller stones usually pass with little or no pain, but if you have many stones, this could cause some serious discomfort. Stone size and location could also affect their passage. However, persistent or worsening pain must be medically evaluated. Let’s learn about more symptoms you must be aware of to report to an emergency room immediately.
When is Kidney Stone Pain an Emergency?
Kidney stone pain can become a serious medical emergency when you start to exhibit the following symptoms. Most of them were mentioned earlier, but here are some more symptoms you need to know. All of these symptoms are very serious and must be consulted by a doctor.
- Fever or chills.
- Persistent vomiting.
- Severe or uncontrolled pain.
- Feeling faint, confused, or extremely unwell.
- Signs of infection.
How are Kidney Stones Treated?
In terms of treating kidney stones, there are some medications out there for pain or infection relief. Some of the most common ones include tamsulosin (Flomax) and nifedipine (Adalat and Procardia). These are considered effective for relaxing the ureter to help stones pass. There are also medications for managing nausea, vomiting, and pain.
There are also some kidney stone procedures for those who have one that can’t pass on its own or is blocking your urinary tract. One in particular involves the provider using shockwaves to break apart the stones. This procedure is called shockwave lithotripsy. There are also procedures for removing larger or obstructing stones.
So kidney stone pain could be a serious condition if not treated properly. It’s not life-threatening, but it could put you at a high risk of kidney disease or more kidney stones. Also, the symptoms can overlap with other conditions such as urinary tract infections (UTI). You must seek medical evaluation if you start seeing serious, persistent symptoms such as vomiting or signs of infection. Early evaluation could be very effective in identifying complications and determining appropriate treatment.
Have you or someone you know dealt with kidney stones? What does kidney stone pain feel like? Share your thoughts in the comments section below. As always, be sure to like or share this post with the next person you know coping with this condition.
