Kidney stones can cause a variety of symptoms, which can vary depending on the size and location of the stone. Common symptoms include intense pain in the back, side, lower abdomen, or groin area, which can come in waves and may fluctuate in intensity. This pain is often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and the need to urinate frequently. The urine may also appear cloudy or have a strong odor, and there may be traces of blood due to irritation of the urinary tract. In some cases, a person may also experience fever and chills, especially if there is an infection present.
Another set of symptoms includes pain during urination, frequent urination, or a persistent need to urinate. This is because the stone can cause irritation or blockage in the urinary tract, leading to discomfort and changes in urinary habits. Additionally, kidney stones can sometimes cause urinary tract infections (UTIs), which can present with symptoms like fever, chills, and cloudy or foul-smelling urine.
In rare cases, kidney stones may not cause any symptoms until they move within the kidney or into the ureter, causing sudden and severe pain. This type of pain, known as renal colic, is often described as one of the most intense pains a person can experience and requires immediate medical attention.