Kidney Stone Symptoms and Diagnosis
This content is based on clinical guidelines (AUA/EAU) for educational use. It does not replace a professional medical consultation. Please consult a specialized doctor before starting any treatment mentioned.
Kidney stone symptoms have several forms, ranging from flank pain to renal failure. Kidney stone diagnosis depends on radiological and laboratory methods.
What are the symptoms of a kidney stone?
Kidney stones may not cause any symptoms and can remain hidden until they begin to move into your kidney or pass into your ureter. It is the duct that connects the kidney to the bladder. Here, the stones may settle in the ureter, causing symptoms and pain.
It is common for kidney stones to cause severe pain in the patient. Kidney stone pain begins abruptly and then fluctuates in intensity. The pain may fluctuate as the body attempts to eliminate the kidney stones.
Common symptoms caused by kidney stones are
Severe pain and cramps in the back and flanks under the ribs of the rib cage, usually moving towards the lower abdomen and thigh area. The patient experiences a sudden and intense urge to urinate. Burning during urination. Urinating more than usual. Urinating a small amount of urine each time.
Dark or red urine may indicate blood in the urine. Cloudy, foul-smelling urine due to the presence of pus or white blood cells in it. Vomiting and nausea. Fever and shivering in case of infection. Pain in the front of the penis in men.
When do you talk to your doctor?
You should make an appointment with your doctor if you have any signs or symptoms that cause concern and discomfort, including
If you experience intense pain in various situations, such as standing, sitting, or lying on your back, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor. The appearance of blood in the urine. You're experiencing pain and finding it difficult to pass urine. Abdominal pain accompanied by vomiting and nausea.
Be sure to tell your doctor in detail about all your symptoms, including when they started, how often they last, and how often they occur during the day, as well as a list of medications, vitamins, and supplements you're taking.
How are kidney stones diagnosed?
Based on a physical examination, health assessment, and knowledge of your medical and family history, your doctor may ask you to perform some laboratory tests and tests, including the following:
1- Urine examination
This test is to detect the presence of bacteria or white blood cells, which is often a sign of a urinary tract infection, or the presence of any deposits that caused your stones to form. This test requires you to collect a urine sample over one or two consecutive days.
2- Blood test
The purpose of this test is to measure the levels of calcium, phosphorus, uric acid, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and creatinine in the blood. These tests help evaluate kidney function and enable the doctor to find out the cause of your stones.
3- Ultrasound imaging
This technique is characterized by providing high-resolution images used to detect complications associated with kidney stones, including a change in the size or shape of the kidneys. Ultrasound imaging is recommended when diagnosing pregnant women and children under 16 years of age.
4- Computerized Tomography
A computerized tomography (CT scan) procedure is usually used, which is based on the use of a special type of X-ray to give three-dimensional cross-sectional images of the body’s organs.
The interior is taken from several angles so that it is more detailed and clear compared to the use of ordinary X-rays, which enables the doctor to determine the location and size of the stones formed, even small ones. A CT scan can be used with or without intravenous dye injection.
5- Stone examination
For kidney stones that you pass through the urine, your doctor may provide you with special equipment to collect the kidney stones that you pass during urination; this helps the doctor to know exactly why these stones form and thus determine the best treatment method for you.
This article was written and reviewed by Dr. Hassan Ali - Urologist
Medical References :
Content curated according to international clinical guidelines:
- American Urological Association (AUA).
- European Association of Urology (EAU).
- Campbell-Walsh Urology Textbook.
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