Kidney stones are a type of urinary system disease that can affect people of all ages, but the incidence is higher in males than females. The size, number, and location of the stones can vary, and the symptoms experienced by the body may also differ. In milder cases, there may be no obvious symptoms, but if the condition is severe, there may be significant pain in the lower back and abdomen, and it could even lead to renal failure. Here, we will summarize some common early symptoms of kidney stones.
1. Severe pain in the lower back and abdomen
When the stone appears at the junction of the renal pelvis and ureter or descends within the ureter, there will be sudden and excruciating pain, commonly known as renal colic. This condition usually lasts for several days, with pain mainly in the lower back and abdomen. It may radiate from the side of the abdomen or the location of the lower back to the bladder area, external genitalia, and inner thigh. Sometimes, it may be accompanied by symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and profuse sweating. In such cases, patients may vomit after eating, so it is best to rest in bed.
Recommendation: When the pain is severe, drinking hot water or applying a hot towel to the painful area may help relieve the pain.
2. Occasional pain in the lower back
This early symptom is not easily noticeable because the pain comes and goes. Generally, few people pay attention to these details, but this phenomenon is actually caused by the stone irritating the nerves.
Recommendation: If the body frequently experiences this phenomenon, it is recommended to go to the hospital for an examination as early detection and treatment can prevent the condition from worsening.
3. Presence of blood in the urine
When there is pain in the early stages of kidney stones, there is often blood in the urine. However, most of the blood is not visible to the naked eye, and physical activity may worsen the problem. Kidney stone patients may pass sand or small stones in their urine, especially during episodes of pain and blood in the urine, when the urine may contain sand or small stones.
Recommendation: Although blood in the urine is usually not visible, if there is obvious blood in the urine accompanied by pain in the lower back and abdomen, it is important to promptly seek medical attention to prevent the stones from becoming larger and more difficult to pass.
The above symptoms are early signs of kidney stones. When these symptoms occur, it is important to first visit a hospital for examination. Based on the size and location of the stones, the doctor will provide advice. If the stones are small, it is generally recommended to drink plenty of water and engage in physical activity to help eliminate the stones. However, if the stones are larger, it may be necessary to use extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy to break up the stones before they can be passed. However, this method is generally not recommended as it may pose a risk to the kidneys.
