1. Not Drinking Enough Water

There are many triggers for kidney stones, but the primary one is dehydration.

Kidney stones form when minerals and salts harden together. Most of the time, this happens in the kidneys. One of the most common types of kidney stones is uric acid stones, which form when the urine is highly acidic. And, acidic urine is a byproduct of dehydration, so it makes sense why dehydration can lead to the development of kidney stones.

It’s not just what someone drinks (or doesn’t drink) that can cause kidney stones, but also what they eat…

2. Eating Foods that Contain High Amounts of Oxalate

Even certain foods, specifically those rich in oxalates and oxalic acid, can increase the risk of kidney stones. Such foods include nuts, spinach, tea, beets, and chocolate.

When oxalate combines with other substances, it forms compounds, typically in the colon or urinary tract and including the kidneys. When this binding occurs in the kidneys, calcium oxalate stones can form. These comprise roughly 80 percent of all kidney stones.

Please note: Most oxalate in the human body isn’t the result of diet. Rather, most oxalate is produced by the human body itself. So, reducing oxalate from the diet isn’t always the most effective way to prevent this sort of kidney stone. As a result, people should first consult with a doctor before making any dietary changes, especially when considering cutting out food like spinach.

Of course, oxalate-rich foods aren’t the only kinds of foods that may increase the risk of kidney stones…

3. Eating Excessive Amounts of Animal Protein

Steak may be delicious, but it can also put someone at increased risk of kidney stones. Animal-based proteins—that is, proteins from animal meat—are high in a compound called purine. Research links high levels of purine to an increased concentration of uric acid, which can lead to kidney stones.

To avoid consuming too much purine, try to avoid eating copious amounts of food high in purine, like anchovies, organ meat, red meat, tuna, or sardines. Alternatively, low-purine foods include peanut butter, fruit, fruit juices, nuts, pasta, and rice.

When preparing food, it’s important to limit the following…

4. Eating a High-Salt Diet

Excessive sodium is bad for the body for many reasons. Not only does it promote the development of kidney stones, but it also is bad for the heart as it can lead to high blood pressure.

Too much sodium can lead to kidney stones because it can result in a high amount of calcium in the urine. In the kidneys, this calcium may bind to oxalate, which can lead to calcium oxalate stones, the most common kind of kidney stone.

While dietary choices can directly lead to kidney stones, there are also medical conditions that can cause them as well…

5. Having Certain Medical Conditions

Believe it or not, not all medical conditions have to be directly related to the kidneys in order to cause kidney stones.

There are plenty of seemingly unrelated medical conditions that are associated with a greater likelihood of kidney stones, including gout, high blood pressure, and urinary tract infections (UTIs).

Gout is a form of arthritis that occurs when urate crystals, which can form when someone’s blood has high levels of uric acid, form and deposit in joints. When these crystals form in the kidneys, they can create kidney stones.

So, what about urinary tract infections?…

6. Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

Gout is associated with a higher risk of kidney stones. UTIs, though, can directly cause them, specifically a variety called struvite stones.

Because UTIs are infections of the urinary tract, someone with a UTI can expect plenty of bad bacteria in this region. Now, struvite is a combination of minerals that are created by (often UTI-causing) bacteria in this tract. In other words, UTI-causing bacteria result in reactions that cause struvites (aka, struvite kidney stones) to form in the kidneys.

As far as diet goes, the following can impact your chances of getting kidney stones…

7. Not Getting Enough Calcium

It may come as a shock that not getting enough calcium can lead to kidney stones when calcium oxalate stones are the most common kinds of kidney stones. Calcium + oxalate = calcium oxalate stones, right? Not necessarily. This binding results in kidney stones when it occurs in the kidneys. Particularly, it occurs when there are high levels of oxalate. So, taking in too little calcium can mean an excess of oxalate, just ripe for forming kidney stones.

Daily lifestyle choices can directly affect the risk for kidney stones, too. An unhealthy choice that can cause kidney stones? It’s coming right up…

8. Smoking

Smoking can damage the body in countless ways, and kidneys are not exempt. This may be due to the fact that smoking does not promote frequent urination, but no research has confirmed the exact link between smoking and the development of kidney stones.

The following habit can also result in kidney stones…

9. Drinking Too Much Alcohol

Because alcohol is a diuretic, meaning it can cause dehydration, it can ultimately lead to the development of kidney stones. And, dehydration is never good when it comes to kidney stones.

After learning about common kidney stone causes, it’s important to keep the following in mind for preventative care…

What to Remember to Reduce the Chances of Developing Kidney Stones

Thankfully, there are ways to avoid and/or manage kidney stones. Such methods include not smoking, drinking plenty of water each day, drinking alcohol in moderation, maintaining a healthy diet, and receiving medical care for all medications, especially gout and UTIs.

If you’re worried you might have kidney stones, it’s important to call your doctor immediately. They will be able to provide proper medical advice on the best treatment for your specific needs.

1. Frequent Intoxication

The more you drink, the more you become intoxicated or drunk. While most people don’t experience alcohol’s adverse effects immediately, being in a constant drunken state can put your health in danger, especially for alcohol poisoning.

As this next symptom of alcoholism shows, not everything gets better with time…

2. Heightened Tolerance & Alcohol Dependence

People who frequently drink, or even depend on alcohol to be social or “get through the day,” usually develop a higher tolerance to alcohol, which is both dangerous and a common sign of alcoholism. In turn, increased alcohol tolerance can create a stronger urge to drink more to achieve its effects again.

Alcoholism can be quite a slippery slope to climb.

3. Unsuccessful Attempts At Quitting

Relapsing is one of the most critical factors in diagnosing someone with alcoholism. Quitting, or at least limiting one’s alcohol consumption, isn’t easy. Most people who attempt to reduce alcohol without medical assistance intake tend to be unsuccessful at doing so, which is why it is critical to always seek medical help when trying to quit drinking.

Indeed, becoming sober is a real bumpy road to tread.

4. Experiencing Withdrawal Symptoms

One might experience withdrawal symptoms when detoxing from alcohol. Withdrawal can involve tremors, anxiety, insomnia, nausea, and sweating. Withdrawal should always be handled with medical assistance, as it can be lethal.

The daily grind also suffers as a result with alcohol abuse, as the following symptom shows.

5. Unproductivity

Alcoholism can impact a person’s productivity, which can cause them to fail to fulfill obligations at work, school, or home. Other people even go as far as dropping work activities, hobbies, and other responsibilities.

But it’s not just your duties that get affected with this condition…

6. Damaged Relationships

Alcohol abuse can negatively impact a person’s relationships, especially their friends and family. This can often mean severed bonds and friendships, ruined marriages, and broken families.

Speaking of ruined marriages, this could also be an essential factor to it…

7. Intimacy Problems

Experts note that low self-esteem among some alcoholics is common, especially males, impacting their sexual activities with their partners. Female alcoholics, on the other hand, tend to lose their sexual appetite faster as testosterone levels drop.

Beauty, and even grooming habits, start to fade, too, just like this upcoming symptom explains.

8. Unkempt Appearances

Some people suffering from alcoholism tend to neglect their appearances and general hygiene. This can look like disheveled hair, messy clothes, and bad overall personal hygiene. The skin, in particular, can start to look gray and dry.

Your mental skills typically become clouded with this condition, too.

9. Cognitive Problems

Experiencing cognitive deficits like memory loss, mental blackouts, and poor judgment and reasoning is relatively common among alcoholics. Long-term heavy drinking can sometimes also lead to brain damage if not treated immediately.

Ultimately, alcoholism does more to your mental health than cloud your judgment, like this next symptom explains.

10. Mental Health Problems

About 20% of alcoholics suffer from mental health problems, like anger, sadness, anxiety, and depression. Alcohol can also unfortunately exacerbate these symptoms.

And, alcohol abuse can get you into trouble, in more ways than one, which is a common symptom most people don’t think about.

11. Disorderly Behavior

Frequent drunkenness can get you into run-ins with the law. Driving under the influence, domestic and sexual violence, disorderly conduct, and even homicide can be the result of severe alcoholism. Some alcoholics exhibit destructive behavior, which can lead to such trouble with the law.

1. Drink Lots of Water

One of the most important steps people can take to make it easier for a kidney stone to pass? Drink lots of water.

How much water should someone drink?

Most people are told to drink about 8 tall glasses of water per day. When someone is dealing with a kidney stone, more water is necessary. In general, people should try to increase their water intake by about 50% in these cases (or, about 12 tall glasses of water).

There are a few reasons why people should try to drink more water while they are trying to pass a kidney stone.

How does drinking more water help?

Kidney stones are the result of minerals and salts hardening together, most often in the kidneys. One of the most common types of kidney stones? Uric acid stones, which form when the urine is highly acidic.

Now, water helps properly dilute uric acid. So, when someone doesn’t drink enough water, uric acid concentrates in the urine, which increases the risk of uric acid stones.

What are the signs of dehydration?

In order to tell if someone is drinking enough water, pay attention to the urine’s color. The urine should be pale yellow or clear. If the urine is dark yellow, then someone is dehydrated and needs to drink more water.

Signs of severe dehydration include:

• Feeling dizzy
• Rapid heartbeat
• Sunken eyes
• Rapid breathing
• Dry skin
• Lack of energy

What about food?

Besides drinking plenty of water, avoiding certain kinds of food can also help decrease kidney stone pain…

2. Avoid Foods That Are High in Oxalate

As mentioned above, one of the most common components of kidney stones is oxalate. Therefore, people who are trying to pass a kidney stone should try to stay away from sources of dietary oxalate, as it can make symptoms worse.

What exactly is oxalate, anyway?

Oxalic acid is a compound in many plants that can combine with certain minerals to form oxalate. Oxalate isn’t just found in plants, though. The human body can also metabolize vitamin C to produce oxalate.

Why does this compound lead to stones?

Oxalate itself can combine with other substances to form compounds. In the human body, this binding typically occurs in the colon or urinary tract, including the kidneys. Most often, when oxalate in the human body combines with something else, it is with calcium. This binding—when it occurs in the kidneys—results in calcium oxalate stones, which comprise roughly 80% of all kidney stones.

What are some of the most common sources of oxalate?

Some of the most common sources of oxalate include:

• Nuts
• Spinach
• Tea
• Beets
• Chocolate
• Rhubarb

It’s not just while passing a kidney stone that these foods should be avoided; people should avoid these foods for a short time after the kidney stones have passed as well.

The following drink, though, you can reach for at any time, especially while trying to find pain relief from passing a kidney stone…

3. Reach For the Lemon Juice

Next, it is a good idea to consume lemon juice in any number of ways to help kidney stones pass.

Why is lemon juice great for kidney stones?

Remember our friend oxalate? When high levels of it are present, the risk of kidney stones increase. And, when it combines with other substances in the body, it is most often calcium. When this binding occurs in the kidneys, stones can occur.

The solution?

Reduce oxalate, get calcium and oxalate to bind before reaching the kidneys, or prevent oxalate from binding with calcium.

Lemons can help kidney stones pass because they contain citrate, a chemical that binds to calcium. So, when citrate binds to calcium, calcium cannot bind with oxalate to form calcium oxalate kidney stones.

But that’s not all. Citrate can also tear calcium away from stones that have already formed, helping them break apart.

How can someone use lemon juice to fight kidney stones?

There are plenty of ways to use lemon juice to help kidney stones pass.

1. Add lemon to your water.

First, it is helpful to simply squeeze a few lemons into glasses of water. Remember how it’s important to drink plenty of water to help kidney stones pass? Just squeeze some lemons into that water! It’s an extra-potent way to pass those stones.

2. When life gives you kidney stones, make lemonade.

What a sweet solution. Lemonade tends to be higher in lemon juice than lemon water, so this method may be extra potent for certain individuals. To keep it healthier, avoid adding too much sugar.

3. Add lemon juice to other foods.

Lemon juice isn’t just limited to drinks. For instance, plenty of people squirt some lemon juice onto sliced apples to prevent them from browning. This step is just another way for someone to get more lemon juice into their diet.

4. Get creative!

The only limit to this technique is your own imagination: try to get creative with lemon juice. This way, it can strip calcium away from kidney stones, helping them to break part more quickly.

What about OTC remedies?

Don’t have any lemons? Not a problem. Plenty of over-the-counter (OTC) anti-inflammatory medications may help, too…

4. Take Anti-Inflammatory Medications

In addition to taking steps to make the kidney stones easier to pass, it is also important to control the pain. One of the primary tools people can use to control pain? Anti-inflammatory medications.

What are some common anti-inflammatory medications and why do they help?

To be clear: anti-inflammatory medication won’t make kidney stones pass faster. However, it will make the time it takes them to pass much more bearable.

What are some medications that may help?

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Motrin) are the most common anti-inflammatory over-the-counter (OTC) medications used to control pain.

How do they work?

These medicines reduce inflammation at the site of pain. Now, inflammation can lead to warmth, redness, and swelling in addition to pain. Therefore, by controlling inflammation, people will feel more comfortable.

How can someone take these medications for pain relief?

Just because these drugs are legal and easily accessible doesn’t mean that it’s not possible to overdose on them. For example, overdosing on Tylenol can lead to liver damage while overdosing on Motrin can lead to kidney damage.

The solution?

For Adults

Talk to a doctor and read the instructions on the medication’s packaging. It might be tempting to pop a handful of pills when suffering from kidney stone pain, but doing so can completely backfire. Trust us; it’s worth it to take the official dosage recommendations seriously.

For Children

In children, finding the proper dose is a bit more complicated.

• For Tylenol, the maximum dose is 15 mg per kg every four hours.
• For Motrin, the maximum dose is 10 mg per kg every six hours.

Remember that in the United States weight is typically quantified in pounds. Therefore, it’s necessary to convert a child’s weight to kilograms before calculating the dose. (A simple “pounds to kilograms” search on Google should do the trick.)

Now, anti-inflammatory drugs aren’t the only medications someone can take to find kidney stone pain relief…

5. Take an Alpha-Blocker

What are alpha-blockers?

Alpha-blockers are a drug class that prevents the stimulation of certain receptors in the body.

How do alpha-blockers help?

One of the reasons a kidney stone won’t pass is because it is too large to fit through the ureter (tube connecting kidneys and the bladder). If the ureter relaxes, there will be a larger path through which the kidney stone can pass.

An alpha-blocker thereby helps kidney stones pass by relaxing the ureter muscles. Specifically, alpha-blockers will bind to receptors located on the smooth muscle cells in the ureter, causing them to relax. This process will cause the cells to expand, making the ureter wider.

What is a good alpha-blocker for kidney stones?

There are a few different alpha-blockers that someone might be able to take to help them with a kidney stone. One of the most common alpha-blockers for kidney stone relief is called tamsulosin, also known as Flomax.

• Typical Dosage: 0.4 mg/day
• Pregnancy: No known risks associated with taking Flomax while pregnant
• Alcohol: Do not drink while using this medication
• Side Effects: Include low blood pressure, back pain, headache, nausea, and dizziness

The following way to manage pain isn’t to do something but rather to avoid something…

6. Reduce Sodium Intake

Many people need to reduce their sodium intake due to high blood pressure concerns. However, too much sodium can mean more than just blood pressure problems; it can also mean kidney problems.

How is sodium tied to kidney stones?

Sodium levels in the urine are closely tied to calcium levels. If someone eats a high-sodium diet, calcium levels in the urine rise. And when there’s high levels of calcium in the urine, it can mean higher odds of calcium binding to oxalate in the kidney. The result of this union? You probably guessed it: kidney stones.

But that’s not all. Research also shows that those with high blood pressure are at greater risk of kidney stones. So, in more ways than one, a diet high in sodium isn’t ideal for someone suffering from kidney stones (or anyone else, really).

How can someone control their sodium levels?

One of the chief ways to control sodium levels is to stay informed.

• Limit sodium intake to around 2,300 mg per day.
• If someone is suffering from kidney stones (or has a history of developing them), this number should drop to 1,500 mg of sodium per day. (Ideally, everyone should reach this number, not just kidney-stone sufferers).

In order for people to adhere to this limit, reading the nutrition facts on food packaging is key.

Some of the most common high-sodium foods include:

• Processed meals such as burritos and pizza
• Anything that comes in a can (salt is used as a preservative)
• Smoked and cured meats

Ditch the salty, go for the sweet?

The following potential remedy for kidney stone pain is pretty sweet…

7. Use Apple Cider Vinegar

Another option for people who would like to make their kidney stones easier to pass? Apple cider vinegar.

How does apple cider vinegar help kidney stones?

This common cooking ingredient contains a substance called acetic acid, which has been shown to help kidney stones dissolve.

Let’s break it down.

Acetic acid changes the pH of the liquid around the kidney stone. By changing the pH and concentration of various ions, the kidney stone is more likely dissolve, making it much easier to pass.

In addition, apple cider vinegar can also ease the pain kidney stones cause, helping people feel more comfortable. It’s a two-for-one kidney stone remedy.

What ways can someone use apple cider vinegar for kidney stones?

To use apple cider vinegar to help with kidney stones:

1. Add about two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to water.
2. Spread out the apple cider vinegar over a long period of time.
3. Limit intake to eight ounces (sixteen tablespoons) per day.

Caution: Too much of a good thing can be bad.

Excessive amounts of apple cider vinegar can decrease potassium levels, putting someone at greater risk for serious health conditions like osteoporosis. Furthermore, people should not ingest apple cider vinegar if they take:

• Insulin
• Digoxin (Digox)
• Diuretics like spironolactone (Aldactone)

Is this sweet method not your cup of tea? Try turning up the heat—literally…

8. Try a Heating Pad

When someone is in pain, the muscles contract; this muscle contraction can occur with kidney stones. While contraction is a natural bodily response, the muscle contraction itself can add to someone’s pain.

Therefore, helping muscles relax can alleviate discomfort.

How can a heating pad help?

A heating pad helps relieve pain by relaxing the muscles of the stomach, back, and side.

What’s the safe way to use a heating pad?

Anyone who wants to use a heating pad to help with kidney stones needs to make sure they do so safely. Some great tips to do so include:

• Never place a heating pad directly on the surface of the skin, as this action can lead to serious burns. Instead, wrap the heating pad in a blanket or towel before placing it on/under the body. 
• Avoid falling asleep while using a heating pad. If someone falls asleep, it means prolonged exposure to the heating pad, increasing the odds of burns.
• Start on the lowest heat setting and gradually increase if necessary.

While trying to fight through kidney stone pain, be sure to also do the following…

9. Reduce the Intake of Animal Protein

Protein is an important building block for numerous cells throughout the body; however, some forms of protein can actually make kidney stones worse.

What’s the link between animal protein and kidney stones?

Many sources of animal protein, such as red meat and certain seafood, have high levels of purine. Now, high levels of purine can mean high concentrations of uric acid. Remember: uric acid is a common component of kidney stones.

Therefore, while protein is important for building muscles, it’s important to be cautious about where the protein is coming from, especiallywhile trying to pass a kidney stone.

What are some high-purine foods (to avoid)?

High-purine food sources include:

• Anchovies
• Organ meat
• Red meat
• Tuna
• Sardines

What foods and drinks are better for passing kidney stones?

Instead of animal protein, focus on foods and drinks that are going to help the kidney stones go away (such as low-purine foods like peanut butter and rice). These kidney stone-fighting foods and drinks include the following…

10. Drink Pomegranate Juice

Not only is pomegranate juice tasty, but it may also improve the overall function of the kidneys.

How can pomegranate juice help?

Pomegranates will not only flush out kidney stones but may also remove other toxins from the body. How? It’s because this fruit contains lots of antioxidants, which will keep the body healthy and prevent future stones from developing. 

Furthermore, this fruit will also make the body’s urine less acidic. When the urine is less acidic, it is easier for current kidney stones to break apart.

What’s the best way to use pomegranate juice to fight kidney stones?

The good news is that there isn’t any limit to the amount of pomegranate juice that someone can drink: people can drink as much as they want. There is an exception to this general rule, though.

Pomegranate juice is filtered by the liver, which means that anyone who is taking medications that are processed by the liver should stay away from pomegranate juice. These medications include lots of blood pressure and cholesterol medications, such as chlorothiazide (Diuril) and rosuvastatin (Crestor).

Anyone who has concerns about possible drug interactions should speak with their doctor first.

What’s next?

What’s most important for someone fighting kidney stone pain to know?…

Fight Kidney Stone Pain Today!

Kidney stones can be incredibly painful, making it hard for someone to move, let alone go to work or school. Therefore, it is important to take a two-pronged approach to the treatment of kidney stones.

The first prong is pain management. Take anti-inflammatory medications in safe dosages on a regular basis.

The second prong is to address the kidney stones directly. Employ methods that will both break apart existing kidney stones while also preventing new ones from forming.

What happens after kidney stones pass?

After kidney stones pass, it is critical take steps to prevent new ones from forming. That means avoiding habits and behaviors that put someone at greater risk for kidney stones, including:

• Smoking
• Eating a high-sodium diet
• Eating lots of animal-based proteins
• Not drinking enough water

What if kidney stones don’t pass?

If kidney stones don’t pass, there are other treatment options available.

• A doctor may be able to perform a lithotripsy to break apart the kidney stones, making them easier to pass.
• Furthermore, a doctor can also use a scope to remove the kidney stones directly.

A well-hydrated individual will most likely be able to pass a kidney stone in 48 hours, or 2 days. Any stone that takes longer to pass may require a trip to the doctor.

13. Bloody Urine

Bloody urine is the number one symptom that triggers a patient response. Known as hematuria, this condition results when the coarse surface of the stone scrapes against the inside walls of the kidneys.

Why do kidney stones cause bloody urine?

The kidneys are lined with soft tissues. So, any contact with a rough surface will damage the capillaries (blood vessels) along this lining; in some cases, this damage results in bleeding.

Given the location of the bleeding, this blood can end up in the urine.

What does bloody urine look like?

The urine’s color may be pink or red, depending upon the amount of blood present. If the blood is of a small enough volume, it may only detected detected in a laboratory exam.

Kidney stones or something else?

Kidney stones are not the only medical condition that can result in bloody urine. However, it’s always important to take this symptom seriously. After all, bloody urine can be a sign of a serious medical condition. So, no matter the cause, bloody urine means a trip to the doctor is necessary.

Now, bloody urine isn’t the only way kidney stones affect your excrement, as seen with the following…

12. Cloudy Urine

Urine that is not clear or transparent is known as cloudy urine. Commonly, it indicates that the urine contains minerals, perhaps some blood, or maybe even pus. If pus is present, it is quite likely the result of a bacterial infection.

Why do kidney stones cause cloudy urine?

The body expels bacteria via urine on a regular basis. However, if a kidney stone obstructs the urinary tract, the flow of urine may slow down. The result? Bacteria become trapped in the tract, which causes bacterial growth. If there is blood in the urinary tract, the bacteria feeds off of that, promoting further bacterial growth.

As stated above, when pus, bacteria, and/or blood are present in the urine, the urine may appear cloudy.

Don’t ignore this symptom.

Cloudy urine can indicate an accompanying infection. That means this symptom requires immediate treatment, as some infections can quickly worsen and cause serious complications.

Now, kidney stones won’t just affect the way your urine looks; they can also affect the way your urine smells…

11. Foul-smelling Urine

Someone who has kidney stones may notice that their urine has a particularly strong and unpleasant odor. The worse the smell, typically the worse the kidney stones are.

Why do kidney stones cause foul-smelling urine?

Urine contains ammonia, which has a notoriously foul odor. When kidney stones block the urinary tract, ammonia accumulates. The result? When urine finally passes, it has a higher concentration of ammonia, which means a strong odor.

Kidney stones or something else?

If there is an accompanying infection, bacteria present in the urine may also cause a strong odor. This infection may or may not be related to kidney stones. (Remember: a complication of untreated kidney stones is a UTI.)

Either way, cloudy urine that doesn’t go away with drinking clear fluids is a sign that it’s probably time to see the doctor.

Of course, if urine smells and has the following appearance, the odds of the cause being kidney stones increase…

10. Foamy or Frothy Urine

Urine that is bubbly or is foamy may indicate kidney stones.

Why do kidney stones cause frothy urine?

Urine becomes frothy or foamy when certain proteins, like albumin, are present. Now, the body is supposed to reabsorb protein and expel what isn’t needed. Disruptions to the digestive process can result in this protein buildup. One such disruption? Kidney stones.

Kidney stones or something else?

Kidney stones aren’t the only cause of frothy urine. Dehydration, for example, can lead to concentrated urine that is frothy in appearance. Sometimes this symptom is from something as simple as urinating too quickly.

So, if drinking water and urinating slowly don’t improve the appearance of urine, it’s time to see a doctor. That is doubly true if the following symptom is present…

9. Burning Sensation During Urination

If it is painful to urinate and/or you experience a burning sensation when urinating, it could be a sign of a kidney stone.

Why do kidney stones cause painful urination?

Specifically, this symptom could be the result of a urinary tract infection (UTI) caused by a kidney stone. So, just how do kidney stones cause UTIs?

Well, kidney stones can obstruct regular urine flow. This obstruction leads to urine staying in the body for longer periods of time… which means ample time for bacteria in the region to amplify. Further, micro-organisms present in the urinary tract may attack tissue lining.

The result? Painful and potentially burning urination.

Kidney stones or something else?

A kidney stone-induced UTI isn’t the only cause of painful urination. Causes of painful/burning urination include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Ovarian cysts
• STDs/STIs
• Prostate infection
• Cancer
• Medication side effect

Whatever the cause, it’s best to consult a doctor if this symptom presents, especially if the following symptom is present, too…

8. Extreme Abdominal Pain

Kidney stones cause pain in the stomach that is extreme in nature. The pain typically begins as general discomfort and becomes increasingly more severe. Some describe it as an “ebb-and-flow-like” pain similar to contractions in pregnancy.

Why do kidney stones cause pain?

A dislodged kidney stone can become wedged in the ureter. Because the stone is larger than this passageway, it uncomfortably stretches the ureter walls, thereby producing excruciating pain.

Kidney stones or something else?

Once again, kidney stones may not be the only reason abdominal pain occurs. Other causes of stomach/abdominal pain include:

• Menstruation
• Cancer
• Diverticulitis
• Appendicitis
• Gallstones
• Hernias
• Food allergies
• Food intolerance

Of course, pain might not be exclusive to the abdominal region…

7. Extreme Back, Flank and Groin Pain

Kidney stones can generate pain in the abdomen that may radiate to the back, flanks (sides), and even to the groin.

Why do kidney stones cause this kind of pain?

Kidney stone pain is not exclusively relegated to one area of the body. This pain is a result of the kidney stones flowing through ureters, whose walls are very sensitive. Additionally, urine may build up in the kidneys. When this buildup occurs, pressure increases, which in turn results in pain.

In short, because of the nature and location of kidney stones, pain may radiate out from the abdomen.

Do kidney stones hurt worse when lying down?

Kidney stone pain can be debilitating. In fact, the pain might be so severe that it’s impossible to find relief no matter how you situate yourself. Lying down, sitting, standing up, squatting—they all provide no relief.

Kidney stones or something else?

Only a doctor will be able to confirm the exact cause of your pain. However, kidney stone pain is typically sharp in nature. Infections typically produce duller aches.

While the next symptom of kidney stones is not painful, it is certainly inconvenient…

6. Urgent Need to Urinate

Have to not only urinate, but need to urinate right now? It could be that kidney stones are to blame for your urgent need to urinate.

Why do kidney stones make you feel like you have to urinate right away?

Pressure receptors in the urinary tract let the brain know when it is time to urinate. A kidney stone can activate these receptors. As a result, these receptors mistakenly notify the brain that it is time to urinate right away.

How does this symptom manifest?

This symptom typically presents as an urgent sensation to urinate. Although, little to no flow of urine is present once you visit the restroom.

Kidney stones or something else?

Other potential causes of this symptom include:

• Overactive bladder (OAB)
• Stress incontinence
• UTI

Now, you might not notice an urgent need to urinate; that urge just might be much more frequent than what is normal for you…

5. Urinating More than Usual

A frequent need to urinate—followed by actual, excessive urination—may indicate a kidney stone.

Why do kidney stones make you urinate more?

Urinary tract receptors notify the brain to send a signal to relax the bladder and sphincter muscles when it is time to pass waste. However, kidney stones can trigger the same reaction, which causes patients to frequently feel the need to urinate.

Kidney stones or something else?

Sometimes the cause of frequent urination isn’t due to kidney stones. It may be:

• Pregnancy
• Type 2 diabetes
• Diuretics
• UTIs
• Overactive bladder (OAB)

Of course, some people can have the complete opposite problem…

4. Little or No Urine During Urination

Feel an urgent sensation to urinate followed by little or no urine flow? It could be kidney stones.

Why do kidney stones halt urine flow?

Kidney stones block the urinary tract, limiting the flow of urine. On top of that, stones can activate receptors that signal to the brain that it’s time “to go” right now… even if there is little to no urine actually present in the bladder. This situation results in someone constantly running to the bathroom despite not actually having to empty their bladders.

Kidney stones or something else?

Decreased output of urine is medically known as oliguria. Kidney stones are not the only causes of this condition, and sometimes the causes aren’t serious at all. Some causes of oliguria include:

• Dehydration
• Holding urine in
• Side effects of medication

The following symptom of kidney stones needs to be taken seriously, as it could lead to serious dehydration…

3. Nausea, Vomiting and Loss of Appetite

A kidney stone may cause all three of these symptoms for fairly similar reasons.

Why do kidney stones cause nausea?

Location is everything.

Because the abdominal region is affected by kidney stones, nausea is almost inevitable. After all, the kidneys and digestive tract are part of the same network of nerves. Therefore, when an illness affects the kidneys, it also impacts the digestive tract as a whole. Importantly, nausea is one way the body lets us know that something is wrong.

Why do kidney stones cause vomiting?

Similarly to nausea, patients suffering from kidney stones often vomit.

Why?

Because the gut and kidneys are on the same network of nerves. Specifically, the kidney stone tricks the body into believing that the stomach is full, sometimes too full. As a result, the body sends a message to the stomach, instructing it to empty its contents right away (aka, vomiting).

Why do kidney stones cause loss of appetite?

A loss of appetite is a natural consequence of both nausea and vomiting, so it is more of an indirect side effect of kidney stones.

What are some side effects of these symptoms?

• Decrease in body temperature
• Clamminess
• Extreme nausea radiating into the pit of the stomach
• Reduced or no desire to ingest liquids or solids
• Dehydration

The following chilling sign of kidney stones? It’s definitely not something to ignore…

2. Fever and Chills

Fevers and chills aren’t just flu symptoms…

Why do kidney stones cause fever?

The body may react to the presence of the kidney stone as if it is fighting an infection. (In fact, if left untreated, kidney stones may lead to an actual infection.) One of the go-to ways the body fights infection? Fever.

Why, though?

You see, some bacteria cannot survive in high temperatures. Therefore, the body cranks up the heat in an attempt to kill the bacteria. This bump in heat is what we know as fever.

Why do kidney stones cause chills?

Chills result from similar reasons as fevers. In other words, they are the body’s attempt to increase heat to kill infections. Specifically, chills are the result of the body contracting and relaxing muscles; this movement can generate internal heat.

Kidney stones or something else?

So, why else might someone experience fever and chills?

• The flu
• A cold
• Pneumonia
• Hypothermia
• Stomach virus

Whatever the reason, fever and chills can be signs of a serious underlying condition. So, when high fever and chills are present, it’s time to seek out professional medical attention.

The most easily-missed sign of kidney stones?

The following cause of kidney stones? It might be one that’s easily overlooked…

1. Restlessness

Pain and urine problems might be the classic signs of kidney stones, but they aren’t the only ones. In fact, kidney stones can cause cognitive symptoms as well, such as restlessness.

Why do kidney stones cause restlessness?

Reduced kidney function from kidney stones can mean an accumulation of impurities and other harmful substances. The result of these excess toxins? Feeling restless.

What are the signs of restlessness?

Restlessness may manifest in the following ways:

• Confusion
• An inability to focus
• Nervous energy
• Feeling “on edge”

What’s next?

So, what should someone who suspects they have kidney stones do?…

Final Thoughts

Kidney stones are an extremely painful and serious medical condition that requires medical condition. After all, left untreated, they can lead to some serious health complications.

Don’t wait to get professional help.

If you experience any of the symptoms listed previously, seek immediate medical attention before the pain becomes too much to bear. Take even the slightest symptom seriously, as once the pain graduates from intermittent to excruciating, you will require the attention of a medical professional to treat this condition.

Furthermore, even if kidney stones aren’t to blame, these symptoms can all result from medical conditions that still require emergency medical attention.