MBBS, MRCS(EDIN), MMED(SURG), FRCS(UROL) (RCPSG), FAMS(UROL)
BSC(Monash), MBBS(NSW), FRCS(Glasgow), FRACS, MMED(Surgery), FAMS(Urol)
Kidney stone symptoms can range from mild discomfort to strong, debilitating pain that disrupts daily activities. You should seek treatment if the pain becomes so intense that it interferes with your ability to function, is accompanied by severe symptoms or persists over a long period of time.
Timely medical evaluation may be able to help you treat and pass kidney stones, potentially preventing worsening pain, infection or kidney damage.
Key Takeaways
- Kidney stones commonly cause severe pain and symptoms such as bleeding in the urine
- Symptoms often occur as the stone moves and blocks urine flow
- Leaving kidney stones untreated can lead to complications such as infection and kidney damage
- You should visit a urologist if you feel like you are unable to endure the pain and symptoms caused by kidney stones
What Are Kidney Stones?
Kidney stones are hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside the kidneys when substances in the urine become concentrated and crystallise. These stones can vary in size, from tiny grains to larger masses, and may move into the urinary tract, where they can cause pain or blockage. Your body naturally attempts to pass the kidney stone out over time, and as the stones are sharp, they tend to result in pain and bleeding as they move through the urethra.
What Does Kidney Stone Pain Feel Like?
Kidney stone pain is often described as sharp, intense and cramping, usually starting suddenly in the lower back or side. The pain may come in waves and shift towards the lower abdomen or groin as the stone moves. It is often severe enough to make it difficult to sit still or find a comfortable position.
What Puts You at Risk of Developing Kidney Stones?
You may be at higher risk of developing kidney stones if you have conditions that affect your hydration, diet and overall urinary balance. Some examples are dehydration, high salt intake, excess protein, or having a family history of kidney stones.
What Are the Common Symptoms of Kidney Stones?
Kidney stones typically present with:
- Sudden, severe pain in the back
- Pain that radiates to the groin
- Blood in the urine
- Changes in urination patterns
- Nausea and vomiting
Sudden, Severe Pain in the Back
This type of pain is the most characteristic symptom of kidney stones. The pain usually occurs in the flank, just below the ribs on one side, and is caused by the stone obstructing urine flow and increasing pressure within the kidney. It often starts suddenly and can be intense enough to disrupt normal activities.
Pain That Radiates to the Groin
As the stone moves from the kidney into the ureter, the pain often shifts downward towards the lower abdomen and groin. This pain follows the stone’s movement along the urinary tract.
Blood in the Urine
Kidney stones can irritate the lining of the urinary tract, leading to blood in the urine. This may be visible as pink, red or brown urine, or only detected in testing as microscopic bleeding
Changes in Urination Patterns
Stones closer to the bladder can cause urinary symptoms such as increased frequency, urgency or discomfort when passing urine. These changes occur because the stone irritates the urinary tract or partially obstructs urine flow.
Nausea and Vomiting
The severe pain associated with kidney stones can trigger nausea and vomiting due to shared nerve pathways between the kidneys and gastrointestinal system. These symptoms are common during acute episodes and often accompany intense pain.
What Happens if Kidney Stone Symptoms Are Left Untreated?
Leaving kidney stone symptoms untreated can lead to worsening pain and potentially serious complications, especially if the stone does not pass on its own. This leads to:
- Persistent or worsening pain: Pain may become more severe and frequent as the stone continues to move or remains lodged in the urinary tract, significantly affecting daily function.
- Urinary tract obstruction: A stone that blocks the ureter can prevent urine from draining properly, leading to swelling of the kidney, also known as hydronephrosis, which may impair kidney function over time.
- Increased risk of infection: Stagnant urine caused by obstruction creates an environment for bacterial growth, increasing the risk of urinary tract infections that may become serious if untreated.
- Kidney damage: Prolonged obstruction or repeated episodes can lead to reduced kidney function or permanent damage in severe cases.
What Warning Signs Suggest a Kidney Stone Needs Urgent Attention?
Certain symptoms indicate that a kidney stone may be causing complications and require immediate medical evaluation. These warning signs go beyond typical discomfort and may signal infection or significant blockage.
- Fever and chills
- Severe unrelieved pain
- Difficulty or inability to pass urine
- Heavy or persistent bleeding in the urine
If you experience these symptoms, you are likely in need of urgent medical attention and should visit a urology specialist as soon as possible.
Seeking Timely Kidney Stone Treatment From a Urologist
You should seek treatment from a urologist if your kidney stone symptoms are severe, persistent or not improving over time, as this may indicate that the stone is causing an obstruction or having difficulty passing on its own. Urgent medical attention is especially important if you experience symptoms of infection or urethral blockage.
A urologist can assess the size, location and severity of the stone using imaging and recommend appropriate treatment. These specialists are able to carry out kidney stone treatment, including non-invasive extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL), which uses focused shock waves to break the stone into smaller fragments that can be passed more easily.
With the right treatment approach, kidney stones can be managed effectively while minimising discomfort and reducing the risk of complications. AtTan Urology, care is tailored to each individual, with a focus on accurate diagnosis and patient-centred management based on your specific symptoms and conditions. Led by Consultant Urologist Dr Lincoln Tan, we take a thorough and considered approach, guiding patients through each stage of evaluation and kidney stone treatment.
If you are experiencing symptoms of kidney stones, contact us today to schedule a consultation and receive a personalised assessment and treatment plan.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Kidney Stone Symptoms
Can kidney stones go away on their own?
Kidney stones do not go away or get reabsorbed by the body. They need to be passed out of the urethra. Smaller stones may be able to pass without medical treatment.
How long do kidney stone symptoms last?
Kidney stone symptoms can last from a few hours to several days, depending on how quickly the stone moves through the urinary tract. Pain may come in waves and vary in intensity. If symptoms persist beyond a few days or become difficult to manage, medical evaluation is recommended.
When should I go to the hospital for kidney stone symptoms?
You should seek immediate medical attention if you experience fever, chills, severe unrelieved pain, difficulty passing urine or heavy bleeding in the urine. These may indicate complications such as infection or blockage that require urgent treatment.
What can a urologist do to treat kidney stones?
A urologist can actively remove or break down kidney stones to relieve symptoms and restore normal urine flow. Depending on the size and location of the stone, treatment may involve extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL), which uses focused shock waves to fragment the stone into smaller pieces that can be passed naturally.
For stones that are larger or unlikely to pass, a urologist may perform ureteroscopy, where a thin scope is inserted through the urinary tract to locate and remove the stone or break it into smaller fragments using laser energy. In more complex cases, minimally invasive procedures can be used to directly access and remove stones from the kidney. These treatments are designed to eliminate the obstruction, relieve pain and prevent further complications such as infection or kidney damage.
Meet Our Urologists
Dr Lincoln Tan
MBBS, MRCS(Edin), MMED(Surg), FRCS(Urol)(RCPSG), FAMS(Urol)
Dr Lincoln Tan is experienced in managing a wide range of urological conditions, with particular expertise in minimally invasive laparoscopic and robotic-assisted surgery. He is actively involved in advancing evidence-based approaches to improve diagnostic accuracy and clinical decision-making. As principal investigator in the first local study validating the Prostate Health Index for cancer risk assessment, he has contributed to reducing unnecessary biopsies and has been among the clinical leads introducing freehand, office-based transperineal biopsies in Singapore. Dr Tan is committed to comprehensive, patient-centred urological care.
Dr Robert Tan Tin Kiat
BSC(Monash), MBBS(NSW), FRCS(Glasgow), FRACS, MMED(Surgery), FAMS(Urol)
Dr Robert Tan has over 35 years of experience in the diagnosis and management of a wide range of urological conditions. As one of the first urologists in Singapore to perform transurethral resection of the prostate, he has played a key role in advancing minimally invasive urological care. A founding member of the Singapore Urological Association, Dr Tan is also a local pioneer in non-invasive urinary stone treatment, including extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy. His practice emphasises careful assessment and personalised care supported by appropriate medical technology.