If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, you may suffer from kidney stones. They include pain in the back or belly, X-rays, nausea, and urinary tract blockage. You should seek medical attention immediately if you notice any of these symptoms. To find out if you have a kidney stone, consult your doctor for a diagnosis.
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Nausea
Kidney stones are painful and can cause nausea and vomiting. The pain is due to the stone blocking the ureter, which connects the bladder and kidneys. The stones can also cause swelling in the kidneys and cause pain in the lower abdomen. Other symptoms can include fever or chills.
When the stone enters the ureter, it causes a blockage and causes pressure to build in the kidney. This pressure activates pain nerve fibres in the kidney and sends pain signals to the brain. The pain is often sharp and varies in intensity and location. Sometimes, the pain will radiate to the belly and groin area.
If nausea and vomiting persist, see a doctor for an evaluation. Your healthcare provider will perform a physical exam to determine if a kidney stone is present. If a stone is found, a physician may recommend pain medication or surgery to break it up.
Pain in the back or belly
The pain you feel when you have a kidney stone is quite severe. It comes in waves and can last anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour. Sometimes the pain is so severe that you must get to the hospital. This type of pain may also cause nausea and vomiting. Some people call it the worst pain of their life. As soon as you notice this pain, you should seek medical attention. The stone may be small and will pass on its own in a few days, but larger ones could take two to three weeks to pass.
The pain from a kidney stone is typically felt in the back or belly. It may also spread to the sides. It may begin in the flank area and move to the back or groin area. The pain can also cause nausea and upset stomach.
Blockage of the urinary tract
The pain associated with blockage of the urinary tract may vary depending on the type of stone. In men, the pain usually radiates to the testicles, while in women, it may be felt only in the vagina. When the pain is severe, your healthcare provider may recommend taking more vital pain medication. A fever is another symptom that requires hospital treatment because it could be an infection. Most kidney stones will pass independently after about 31 to 45 days. However, some blockages in the urinary tract may require surgical treatment.
In most cases, this obstruction will occur in the urethra or ureter, the tube that takes urine from the kidneys to the bladder. It can cause side pain or increased urine flow, leading to serious consequences, including infection and kidney failure. In severe cases, it can even cause death.
X-rays
If you have kidney stone symptoms, your doctor may recommend an X-ray. This imaging uses low-dose radiation to take images of your abdomen and pelvis. The images are recorded onto a photographic film or computer screen and can help determine the exact location of the stone. It may also be used to detect smaller stones.
Other types of imaging tests may also be used to diagnose kidney stones. These include a kidney-ureter-bladder ultrasound, which will evaluate your kidneys and the ureters (tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder). These scans can help your doctor detect kidney stones in their early stages, monitor their growth, and monitor recurrence.
Treatment
The symptoms of kidney stones include pain while urinating and passing the stone. Your doctor can prescribe medications to ease the pain. If you are experiencing extreme pain, you may be given an IV narcotic. A urine test will also be required to determine the cause of the stone. Treatment for kidney stones may vary depending on the location, size, and type of stone.
Some patients may have to reduce their salt and animal protein intake. They may also need to avoid foods high in oxalate. Some of these foods include dark leafy greens, berries, and tofu. Drinking plenty of water is also a good idea.
