Kidney stones are small, hard deposits that form in your kidneys and pass through your urinary tract. They’re notorious for causing excruciating lower belly pain that’s often described as one of the most intense experiences one can endure.
There’s no denying that severe pain is a hallmark symptom of kidney stones, but did you know there are more subtle signs, too? Our team at Advanced Urology specializes in kidney stone diagnosis and treatment in the Los Angeles, California, area, and we’re here to help.
When you learn to recognize the less obvious signs of kidney stones, you can get the treatment you need without waiting for the agony to develop. Four subtle signs of kidney stones to watch for are:
Changes in urinary patterns can be an early indicator of kidney stones before the intense pain starts. That’s because kidney stones can disrupt the normal flow of urine, leading to fluctuations in frequency and urgency.
You might notice an increased need to urinate or experience a sense of urgency despite having a small amount of urine. On the flip side, you could struggle to pass urine, which can be equally indicative of kidney stone-related issues.
Changes in the color or odor of your urine can also be subtle signs that something is wrong. Kidney stones can make your urine look pink, red, brown, or cloudy, which can indicate the presence of blood or other substances.
Foul-smelling urine can be a result of kidney stone composition or an infection that develops due to stones. If you notice these changes, don’t dismiss them as insignificant, because they can provide valuable clues about kidney stone formation.
A kidney stone attack comes with sudden, excruciating pain in your belly, side, or back. While this type of pain is often obvious, persistent lower back pain can be a more subtle sign of stones.
The discomfort typically doesn’t reach the intensity of a full-blown stone passage, but it can linger as a dull ache in your lower back. This type of pain may be the result of the stone irritating the lining of your urinary tract.
If you have ongoing lower back pain, it’s worth scheduling an appointment to find out if you could have kidney stones. Ignoring this symptom can delay diagnosis and treatment, potentially allowing the stones to grow larger and increasing your risk of complications.
Nausea and vomiting are often attributed to digestive issues — but if kidney stones irritate or block your urinary tract, you might experience these unpleasant symptoms, too. Nausea and vomiting are also common side effects of the intense pain that develops when kidney stones move through your urinary tract.
Do you think you might have kidney stones? Don’t wait to schedule an appointment. Excruciating pain is the most notorious symptom, but early detection and timely medical intervention could help you avoid the pain.
Call one of our Advanced Urology offices in Culver City, Los Angeles, Redondo Beach, and San Pedro, California, or request a consultation online today.
