How to Tell If You Have Kidney Stones

Kidney stones are hard deposits of minerals and salts that form in the kidneys. They can range in size from a grain of sand to a golf ball. Kidney stones can be extremely painful and can lead to serious health problems if they are not treated.

Symptoms of Kidney Stones

The most common symptom of kidney stones is pain. The pain is usually severe and comes and goes in waves. It may be felt in the lower back, side, or abdomen. Other symptoms of kidney stones include:

Nausea
Vomiting
Blood in the urine
Painful urination
Frequent urination
Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
Fever
Chills

If you have any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor right away. Kidney stones can be a serious health problem if they are not treated.

How Are Kidney Stones Diagnosed?

Kidney stones are diagnosed with a variety of tests, including:

Blood tests
Urine tests
Imaging tests, such as X-rays, ultrasound, and CT scans

How Are Kidney Stones Treated?

The treatment for kidney stones depends on the size and location of the stones. Small stones that are not causing any problems may not need treatment. Larger stones or stones that are causing pain or other problems may need to be treated with medication, surgery, or a combination of both.