Kidney stones are a common urinary system disease, with symptoms varying based on the size, location, and movement of the stones. Some patients may not exhibit obvious symptoms in the early stages, but as the stones grow larger or obstruct the urinary tract, they can cause severe pain and other serious symptoms. Early detection of symptoms and timely medical attention can effectively prevent complications.
The symptoms of kidney stones are not limited to the urinary system; they may also be accompanied by gastrointestinal or systemic discomfort. Different patients have varying sensitivities to pain and severity of symptoms, making it crucial to understand the characteristics of symptoms at each stage. This article will detail the complete symptom spectrum of kidney stones from early signs to severe complications and provide guidelines for seeking medical care.
The early symptoms of kidney stones are often mistaken for general muscle soreness or mild discomfort, leading to delayed diagnosis. Typical early signs include:
1. Moderate unilateral flank or side abdominal pain after activity
2. Urine color slightly resembling tea or containing traces of blood
3. Brief burning sensation during urination
Some patients may experience nonspecific symptoms, such as:
If these signs persist for more than 48 hours or are accompanied by a slight increase in body temperature (around 37.5°C), it is recommended to undergo a urinary system ultrasound examination to detect small stones under 0.5 cm early.
When stones move to the narrow part of the ureter, they trigger renal colic, characterized by:
- Severe, knife-like, intermittent pain in the flank on the obstructed side
- Pain radiating along the ureter to the lower abdomen or groin
- Pain intensity may reach 10/10, severely affecting daily activities
Obstruction of the urinary tract by stones can lead to the following urination abnormalities:
50% of patients will experience visible hematuria, but in 20% of cases, only microscopic hematuria is present, requiring professional examination to detect.
When stones completely obstruct the urinary tract, the following advanced symptoms may occur:
Once the stones move to the bladder, the pain may shift to the pubic area, accompanied by frequent urination and urgency. Some patients may experience a burning and stabbing sensation during urination, indicating that the stones have irritated the urethral mucosa.
The nature of pain changes as the stones move:
- Renal stones: Intermittent distension pain
- Upper ureter obstruction: Continuous severe pain in the flank
- Lower ureter obstruction: Cramping pain in the lower abdomen or groin
- Near the bladder: Tenderness in the suprapubic area
The following situations require immediate medical attention:
• Pain severe enough to prevent standing or walking
• Difficulty urinating accompanied by complete anuria
• Fever exceeding 38.5°C lasting more than 4 hours
Warning symptoms that suggest medical attention is advisable include:
– Long-term unexplained lower back pain accompanied by microscopic hematuria
– Unexplained unilateral flank tenderness
– A history of kidney stones with a recurrence of similar symptoms
If the following signs of complications occur, they should be treated as emergencies:
▷ Shortness of breath accompanied by cold sweat
▷ Vomiting lasting more than 2 hours
▷ Urine resembling meat wash water with altered consciousness
As kidney stones move, they irritate the kidney or ureter, causing severe colicky pain. Patients often cannot maintain a fixed position due to unbearable pain and may need to move continuously to relieve discomfort. This pain may be accompanied by hematuria or nausea, and immediate medical evaluation is recommended to assess the need for pain relief or lithotripsy treatment.
What dietary habits increase the risk of kidney stones?High-oxalate foods (such as spinach and chocolate), excessive protein or salt intake may contribute to crystal accumulation. Additionally, insufficient water or fiber intake may also increase risk. It is recommended to drink 2-3 liters of water daily and consult a nutritionist to adjust dietary structure.
What should be noted after extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL)?After surgery, small stone fragments may be expelled, and there may be hematuria or pain during urination, which is a normal response. It is advised to drink plenty of water to facilitate expulsion and avoid strenuous exercise. If pain persists or fever occurs, immediate follow-up is necessary to determine if further treatment is needed.
Do asymptomatic kidney stones require treatment?If the stones are less than 5 cm and do not obstruct the urinary tract, the physician may recommend observation. However, regular imaging examinations should be conducted to monitor changes in size. If signs of infection (such as fever or flank pain) or abnormal kidney function occur, active treatment is required.
How to differentiate kidney stone pain from gastrointestinal issues?Pain from kidney stones in the renal area or lower abdomen is usually sudden and severe, potentially radiating to the inner thigh, often accompanied by hematuria. Gastrointestinal issues, such as gastric colic, are typically related to eating times, with pain located in the upper abdomen. If symptoms are unclear, ultrasound or urine tests should be conducted for confirmation.
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