Guide To Understanding Kidney Stones

Signs And Symptoms Of A Kidney Stone

It is possible to pass a kidney stone without realizing it, as kidney stones do not always cause problems and move relatively smoothly through the urinary tract. However, kidney stones that do not move easily through this bodily system cause excruciating pain that can radiate throughout the pelvic, abdominal, back and groin areas. Many people who have had kidney stones describe this pain as the worst pain they have ever experienced, claiming the experience is worse than the pain of childbirth. Though this distinctive pain is the principal symptom of kidney stones, occasionally, the following symptoms may also be present: discolored urine, cloudy urine, foul-smelling urine, nausea, vomiting, a persistent urge to urinate with frequent urination, low urine production, fever, and chills.

Causes of Kidney Stones

Ultimately, kidney stones are caused by urine being too concentrated. The cause of high urine concentration itself, however, varies with each unique type of kidney stone. Types of kidney stones include calcium stones, struvite stones, uric acid stones, and cystine stones. Calcium stones are the most common type and are caused by a high intake of calcium oxalate in the diet, a high intake of vitamin D, intestinal bypass surgery, or one of many various metabolic disorders. Struvite stones are the result of an infection. Uric acid stones can be caused by chronic dehydration, consuming excess animal protein, gout, and other genetic factors. Cystine stones are caused by a rare hereditary disorder known as cystinuria, which causes kidneys to produce too many amino acids.