Kidney Stone Symptoms
The pain associated with kidney stones is a common symptom. The pain comes in waves and lasts anywhere from ten to thirty minutes. The pain activates the nerves, sending signals to the brain that are interpreted as intense pain. You may feel pressure in your abdomen, back, and/or groin area. You may also have pain in your groin or tip of your penis. Whether you feel intense pain during passing a stone, or just some general discomfort, you should see your doctor immediately.
If you’ve recently passed a kidney stone, you may have experienced pain similar to men, but in a different area of your body. The pain usually occurs below the ribs and is intermittent, coming in waves of increasing intensity. The pain may also radiate to your lower abdomen and groin area. While kidney stones can affect both sexes, males are more likely to experience the pain. Pain is one of the more obvious signs of kidney stones.
If you have persistent pain or nausea after passing a kidney stone, your doctor may prescribe stronger pain medications. You should also get intravenous fluids if your stone is more severe. If you develop a fever, you should seek medical attention because it indicates a severe infection. Home remedies for kidney stone pain include taking extra fluids, taking medications for the pain, and straining your urine. Your doctor may prescribe stronger narcotic pain medications if needed.
The pain you experience while passing a stone is also one of the most common signs of kidney stone. This pain can mimic urinary tract infection symptoms. Symptoms of kidney stones can be debilitating, and you may need a medical procedure. You may feel urination is painful, and you may need to urinate often to relieve the pain. In some cases, you may be able to pass the stone with a few over-the-counter medications. If the pain persists, your doctor may perform an additional procedure. The procedure can be performed through an IV and breaks up the stone. You will then pass the stone through the urine.
Kidney stones can range in size, ranging from a few grains of sand to the size of a golf ball. The larger the stone, the greater the pain. The pain is most common during the urination process. You may experience pain for twenty minutes or more in a row. If the stone moves around inside the ureter, you may experience additional symptoms, such as burning, or infection. If the pain persists for longer than a few weeks, you may require surgery.
Imaging tests will allow your healthcare provider to see the stone in your kidney and decide on the proper treatment. Blood tests can help your doctor determine whether kidney stones are in your kidney or the ureters. They also check your blood for infections or biochemical conditions that could contribute to the formation of kidney stones. A urine test can also measure urine alkalinity or acidity and determine the type of stone you have. If the stone is small, you may be able to treat it yourself, but your healthcare provider may recommend a CT scan.
