4 critical signs of Kidney Stones You Can't Afford to Ignore
Kidney stones are notorious for causing some of the most intense pain a person can experience. Usually, this is when they move into the tube draining the kidney (the ureter). However, your body typically provides warning signals before the excruciating pain strikes. Understanding these early signs can make all the difference in preventing complications and avoiding invasive treatments.
As a urologist who specialises in kidney stone disease, I've seen countless patients who wished they'd paid attention to the signs their bodies were sending. Here are the 5 most important warning signs of kidney stones, ordered by how frequently they occur, that demand your immediate attention.
Understanding Kidney Stones
Kidney stones are solid deposits composed of minerals and salts that develop within your kidneys. While they can vary dramatically in size—from tiny grains to stones that fill the entire collecting system of the kidney—the real problems begin when these stones migrate from the kidney into the urinary tract, potentially creating blockages and causing significant discomfort.
The 4 Key Warning Signs
1. Persistent Flank or Back Pain
This is the most common symptom and often the earliest sign. Kidney stone pain characteristically begins in the flank area—the side of your back just beneath the ribs. Initially, you might experience a dull ache, persistent pressure, or vague discomfort rather than sharp pain.
What makes this particularly indicative of kidney stones is when the pain radiates downward. As a stone moves from the kidney toward the bladder, the discomfort often shifts to your lower abdomen, groin area, inner thigh, or side. This radiating pattern follows the path of the ureter—the tube connecting your kidney to your bladder. Typically, when stones enter the ureter, the pain is severe, but some stones that remain in the tube can present with a mild ongoing discomfort.
2. Blood in Your Urine
This is present in the vast majority of kidney stone cases—up to 80-90% of patients show blood in their urine, even if only on a urine dipstick. Blood in the urine—whether it appears pink, red, brownish, or even just cloudy—indicates that kidney stones are irritating the lining of your urinary tract.
In most cases, the blood will be microscopic and invisible to the naked eye, but any visible blood is a clear signal to seek immediate medical attention. This symptom suggests the stone is actively damaging tissue as it moves through your system. It's important to note that even without visible blood, microscopic hematuria is typically present when stones are active.
3. Noticeable Changes in Urination
Pay close attention to alterations in your normal bathroom habits. Several urinary changes can signal a potential kidney stones that has moved into the tube draining the kidney (ureteric stone):
Increased Urgency: Experiencing a sudden, compelling need to urinate, even when your bladder isn't full
Increased Frequency: Finding yourself needing to urinate more often than usual, both day and night
Burning or Pain During Urination: While commonly associated with urinary tract infections, this symptom can also occur with kidney stones, particularly when they're causing irritation
These changes occur because the stones interfere with normal urinary function and can irritate the entire urinary tract.
4. Cloudy urine or pain on passing urine
While the stone itself doesn't directly cause this symptom, cloudy urine or pain on passing urine often indicates a urinary tract infection—a common complication of kidney stones. The stone can obstruct urine flow, creating an environment where bacteria thrive more easily. Kidney stones are often associated with urinary tract infections, and ruling out kidney stones is important in the treatment of patients with recurrent urinary tract infections.
If you notice these changes in your urine's appearance or have recurrent urinary tract infections, especially alongside other symptoms on this list, it's essential to investigate further. Infections combined with kidney stones can quickly become serious and usually require hospital treatment.
Why Acting Early Is Essential
Recognising these warning signs early can be life-changing because prompt diagnosis and treatment can:
Prevent Severe Pain: Addressing kidney stones before they grow larger or cause complete obstruction helps you avoid the excruciating pain of renal colic
Allow for Less Invasive Treatment: Smaller stones are often manageable with increased fluid intake, medication to facilitate stone passage, or minimally invasive procedures when necessary
Reduce Complication Risks: Untreated kidney stones can lead to urinary tract infections, kidney damage, and in rare cases, even kidney failure
What You Should Do
If you're experiencing any combination of these warning signs, don't wait or hope they'll resolve on their own. Seek medical advice promptly. Your general practitioner can perform an initial assessment and refer you to a urologist if needed.
Diagnostic tests such as urine analysis, blood work, and imaging scans—particularly CT scans, which detect kidney stones with over 99% accuracy—can confirm the diagnosis and determine the size and location of any stones.
Take Control of Your Kidney Health
Kidney stones are common, but you don't need to endure unnecessary suffering. By staying alert to these 4 critical warning signs and taking prompt action, you can catch kidney stones early, avoid severe complications, and protect your long-term kidney health.
Mr Ivo Dukic is an experienced consultant urologist who offers personalised consultations in Birmingham, United Kingdom. Schedule an appointment with him for expert, bespoke advice through his Top Doctors profile or book an appointment through Harborne Hospital, HCA Healthcare, the Priory Hospital, Edgbaston, Circle Health Group or Droitwich Spa, Circle Health.