How to Recognize the Signs and Symptoms of Kidney Stones

Kidney stones are hard, solid masses that can cause intense pain. These are some of the symptoms that may occur.

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You Will Need

  • Awareness of irregular urination
  • Awareness of physical pain
  • Awareness of nausea
  • Chills and fever
  • Doctor
  • Water (optional)

Steps

  1. Step 1

    Pain may not occur

    Know that pain and symptoms may not occur if the stone is small.

  2. Step 2

    Recognize the symptoms

    Be aware that pain may occur during urination or you may have a persistent urge to urinate. Your urine may appear dark, bloody, or cloudy, and may have a foul smell.

  3. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

  4. Step 3

    Look for abdominal pain

    Recognize pain in the abdominal area, groin, below the ribs, or on the side of the back. The pain occurs because the stones are blocking the kidney.

  5. Step 4

    Be aware of nausea

    Recognize that vomiting, nausea and feeling sick to your stomach are all possible effects of kidney stones.

  6. Step 5

    Be aware of chills and fever

    Be aware that chills and fever can occur if an infection is present. Call your doctor if this occurs.

  7. Nearly 200 quarts of blood travel through the kidneys every day.

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