Understanding Kidney Stones - Symptoms

The symptoms of kidney stones include:

• Waves of sharp pain that start in your back and side, and move toward the groin or testicles.
• Inability to find a comfortable position. People with kidney stones often pace the floor.
• Nausea and vomiting with ongoing flank pain.
• Blood in the urine.
• The frequent urge to urinate.

Sometimes an infection is also present, and may cause these additional symptoms:

• Fever and chills.
• Painful urination.
• Cloudy or foul-smelling urine.

Because the symptoms of kidney stones can also be signs of other urinary problems, your doctor confirms that you have a kidney stone with an evaluation that includes blood and urine tests. Your doctor may also order a CT scan, which shows the kidneys, ureters -- and also the stone. A CT scan has the advantage of not requiring an intravenous injection of the contrast material used in an intravenous pyelogram (IVP).

An intravenous pyelogram (IVP), also called an intravenous urogram (IVU), is an X-ray technique your doctor may advise for viewing the kidneys. IVP involves an intravenous injection of contrast dye, which allows your doctor to evaluate the kidneys and urinary system. An ultrasound may show stretching of the ureter if it's blocked by a stone.

Call Your Doctor If:

• You're experiencing waves of sharp pain in your back, side, abdomen, or groin.
• You're experiencing any pain or difficulty with urination.
• You notice blood in your urine