Symptoms of Kidney Stones in Women, Men

Description

Kidney stones are small, solid particles that form in one or both kidneys. The majority of kidney stones contain calcium followed by uric acid, struvite, and cystine. They generally do not cause problems until they enter the tube connecting the kidney to the bladder (ureter) causing obstruction of the urine flow from the kidney to the bladder. The obstruction causes severe pain and can result in serious infections if bacteria infect the urine. The following conditions increase the risk of developing kidney stones: obesity, a family history of the disorder, diets high in protein, previous gastric bypass surgery, and dehydration.

Symptoms

Abdominal pain, abnormal urine color, blood in the urine, chills, excess urination at night, fever, flank pain or back pain, groin pain, nausea, vomiting, painful urination, testicle pain, urinary frequency/urgency, urinary hesitancy.

Tests

A history and physical exam will be performed. A CT scan is the standard method of diagnosis. A intravenous pyelogram can also be done. An ultrasound can demonstrate the dilation of the ureter and kidney. A urinalysis (UA) is done to rule out an infection.

Standard Workup

UA
CT Scan
Ultrasound

Treatment

Intravenous fluids, pain medications and anti-nausea medications are the primary treatments. Most stones less than 6mm in size will pass on their own. If a urinary tract infection is present surgery may performed to immediately relieve the obstruction of urine, and Intravenous antibiotics will be given. For additional information contact the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse at: http://www.kidney.niddk.nih.gov or call (800)891-5390.