Kidney stones – chances are you’ve either had them or know of someone who has. Many people think of kidney stones as just a minor annoyance, but in reality, they can cause excruciating pain. Rarely, kidney stones can even lead to complications, such as kidney infection and kidney damage, when left untreated.
If you’re experiencing some of the following symptoms, it’s possible that you have kidney stones and therefore should consult a nephrologist (kidney doctor) for prompt evaluation and treatment.
Back and Abdominal Pain
Kidney stones often cause sharp pains in the lower back, lower abdomen, side, or groin. Men may also experience pain in their testicles. As mentioned, pain can be severe and come in waves, or it may present as a persistent ache. It usually starts when the stone moves from your kidney into the ureter (the tube that carries urine from your kidneys to your bladder).
If the stone shifts position, you may notice a change in the location of the pain. Pain is often worse when you urinate, and it may be accompanied by burning sensation.
Blood in your Urine (Hematuria)
Blood in the urine is a relatively common symptom of kidney stones and may appear as pink, red, or brown blood. Sometimes, however, blood may not be visible and is only identified in a urine sample or under a microscope.
Cloudy or Foul-Smelling Urine
Normal urine color falls on the light to a deeper amber color spectrum. If your urine is murky or has a foul or pungent smell, it could mean you have kidney stones.
If a kidney stone blocks the flow of urine, it can cause a buildup of waste products and bacteria, and consequently, infection. Infection can lead to pus formation, thus the cloudy appearance of your urine.
Nausea and/or Vomiting
These symptoms occur due to the shared nerve connections between your gastrointestinal (GI) tract and your kidneys. When kidney stones develop and work their way out, they can irritate the nerves in your GI tract, causing you to feel queasy.
Fever and Chills
Fever and chills are signs that the body is trying to fight off an infection. When accompanied by any of the symptoms mentioned above, fever and chills could signify the presence of kidney stones.
Kidney Stones Treatment in Dorchester, MA
If you are experiencing symptoms of kidney stones and in search of a reliable nephrologist in the Dorchester area in Massachusetts, visit us here at Commonwealth Nephrology Associates. You can count on our board-certified nephrologists to provide you with an effective solution for your kidney stones, help you lower your risk for recurrence, and teach you ways to keep your kidneys healthy.
Book a consultation with one of our kidney experts today. Call our office at (617) 739-2100. You may also request an appointment online.
