How to recognise the symptoms of kidney stones
Flank pain, blood in the urine and nausea are common signs — but not every stone causes symptoms.
Kidney stones are among the most common reasons for seeing a urologist. Symptoms vary with the size and position of the stone.
Common symptoms
- Severe, wave-like flank pain that may radiate to the groin - Blood in the urine (sometimes visible only on testing) - Nausea and vomiting accompanying the pain - Urinary frequency or burning
When to seek help quickly
Fever and chills with flank pain, persistent vomiting or a sharp drop in urine output require urgent assessment.
Work-up
Diagnosis usually involves examination, urine testing and appropriate imaging.
Related articles
Preventing kidney stones from coming back
Adequate fluid intake and dietary adjustment are the most important steps in preventing recurrence.
Types of urinary incontinence and how they are diagnosed
Incontinence should not be dismissed as a normal result of ageing or childbirth; identifying the type is the first step to treatment.
What is a urodynamic (bladder function) test?
Urodynamics measures how the bladder and urethra work and helps define the type of disorder.