5 Signs to Look Out for in Kidney Stones
Kidney stones are one of the most common issues encountered in the urinary tract, affecting people between the ages of 20 and 40 mostly. Everyone knows that the main function of the kidneys is to eliminate the toxins and any waste and excess water from the blood. All of these elements are to be taken out through urine, which is going to be formed in the kidneys and travel all the way to the bladder and then be flushed out through the urethra.
However, sometimes, not all of these toxins are taken out and this is how kidney stones are formed. Depending on their size, it will be easier or harder for the body to eliminate them. If the stones are larger, they will block the ureter, which is the tube that connects the kidneys to the bladder. This makes the body go through a significant shock. Here are 5 signs that you can identify for yourself and see if you have any trouble with kidney stones:
- Pain at the level of the kidneys
This is one of those pains that come in out of the nowhere and which are very severe. It will only get worse in time and can spread up to the back or even in the genital area.
- Renal colic
In some cases, this pain can be constant, but there are also situations when it goes away and comes right back in without any notice. Since the degree of the pain is very high, the patient will experience sweating and nausea. Even though the patient might try different body postures to alleviate the pain, it will not go away.
- Bloody urine
Another common symptom, but this type this is accompanied by abdominal pain. The blood results from the rubbing action between the stone and the ureter.
- Infections
People who have kidney stones are most likely to experience infections in the urinary tract, fever and painful urination, as well.
- Keeping track of the pain
If you are unable to tell if you are suffering from kidney stones, try to keep track of the time when you experience pain. Morning is the most frequent time of the day when pain occurs.
Here are some other early signs of kidney stones you should look out for:
- Painful and frequent urination – You might not even be drinking any liquids and this symptom will occur.
- Nausea and vomiting – Since the body is unable to remove the excess waste, due to the fact that the kidneys cannot function as they should, the body’s only way to eliminate them is through vomiting.
- Cloudy unpleasantly smelling urine – This is yet another consequence of the fact that the body cannot eliminate the toxins properly.
- Difficulties with the body posture – When the kidney stones are big, for instance, it is easier for the person to stand than to sit.
So, if you have identified some of these signs in your everyday routine, then a visit to the doctor should be the next thing you plan on doing. Don’t ignore these symptoms.