Kidney Stones Symptoms & Diagnosis

Symptoms

Occasionally, kidney stones do not cause symptoms, and they leave the body in the urine. The condition, though, can cause severe pain.

Symptoms include:

Sharp, stabbing pain in the lower back that may occur every few minutes lasting from 20 minutes to one hour
Pain in the lower abdomen and groin area, labia, or testicles
Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
Blood in the urine
Frequent urge to urinate
Burning pain during urination
Fever
Urinary tract infection

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam.

Tests may include:

Urinalysis—to look for blood, pus, bacteria, and crystals in the urine
Blood tests—to check kidney function, calcium , and uric acid levels
Urine culture —if infection suspected
Spiral CT scan—a type of x-ray that uses a computer to make pictures of the inside of the kidney
Ultrasound —a test that uses sound waves to examine the kidneys
Intravenous pyelogram (IVP) — special x-ray that produces images of the urinary system (less commonly used today)
24-hour urine—to check levels of many factors, including calcium , phosphorus , uric acid, oxalate, and citrate

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2024 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.