Stones in the kidneys are hard masses of minerals and salts that build up over time. Kidney stone pain can be unbearable/intense as it moves through the urinary tract, though many people may not feel symptoms until the stone moves. People often go to the emergency room because of this sharp, frequently crippling pain. It can make a big difference in your healing and prevention plan if you know what causes this pain, where it happens, and how to deal with it. This guide will help you understand the basics about this condition; take this quick check.
What is Kidney Stone Pain?
Kidney stone pain is usually sharp or cramping. It starts in the back or side and moves to the lower belly and groin. If you have this feeling, it means that a kidney stone is blocking part of your urinary system/tract and causing pressure and swelling in the kidney. The kidney pain area is usually under the ribs, but depending on where the stone is, it could move to the bladder or genitals.
Pain that comes in waves and changes in severity is a sign of what is sometimes called colicky pain. When the stone moves, it can be challenging to pinpoint the source of their discomfort because the kidney stone pain area frequently moves as well.
Causes of Kidney Stone Pain
Many things can lead to kidney stone pain, some of which are related to the growth of the stone itself. These are some of the common factors:
- Dehydration or low urine output
- High intake of oxalate-rich foods like spinach and nuts
- Excessive animal protein consumption
- High sodium and sugar intake
- Certain medical conditions like gout and diabetes
- Obesity or being overweight
- Family history of kidney stones
- Certain medications, such as diuretics and calcium-based antacids
Symptoms of Kidney Stone Pain
The pain from a kidney stone can be very bad and often looks like other health problems. There may be right or left kidney pain symptoms based on which kidney is affected. Some common symptoms to watch out for are:
- Severe pain in the side and back, under the ribs
- Pain that radiates to the lower abdomen and groin
- Pain while urinating
- Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
- Blood in the urine (pink, red, or brown)
- Frequent urge to urinate or urinate in small amounts
- Upset stomach or vomiting
- Fever and chills if an infection is present
Diagnosis
Doctors may do several medical tests to find out what’s causing your kidney stone pain, such as:
- Urine tests
- Imaging tests
- Blood tests
The kidney pain area needs to be checked physically to determine the severity of the pain and what problems might occur.
Treatments
Pain relief for kidney stones depends on the size and location of the stone, as well as whether it’s blocking the urine flow or causing an infection. Though some of the treatment options are listed below- but it is always recommended to consult with a doctor for a complete assessment and to know the reason and the best method that works for you.
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Supportive treatment
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- Getting lots of water will help flush out the stone.
- Painkillers, such as ibuprofen or prescription drugs, can help you deal with pain.
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Definitive Treatment
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- Your urologist may prescribe Alpha-blockers such as tamsulosin to relax the ureter and help the stone’s passage.
- Shockwave lithotripsy is performed by a qualified surgeon to break the stone into smaller pieces.
- A thin scope is put through the urinary tract during ureteroscopy to remove stones.
- For bigger stones, the surgeon will make a small cut in the back, which is used for percutaneous nephrolithotomy.
- When all else fails, laparoscopic or open surgery may be the only option.
Read More: Learn about the Foods That Cause Kidney Stones
Conclusion
Kidney stone pain is intense and needs to get treated as earliest as possible. But with the effective diagnosis and right treatment strategy, it can be managed. Hydration, dietary changes, and professional medical care are crucial for long-term kidney stone pain relief and general kidney health.
Always listen to your body and consult a healthcare professional if you notice worrying symptoms. Stay strong, stay hydrated and take care of those kidneys with the right choice of food habits and a good lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions Related to Kidney Stone Pain
Q1. How to stop kidney stone pain immediately?
Drink plenty of water, take over-the-counter medications (after consulting with your doctor); also you can apply heat to the painful area for some sort of relaxation. Don’t wait to knock on the specialist’s door.
Q2. Where is kidney pain felt?
Kidney pain usually happens on the flank, the side of the body between the ribs and the hip. It can also spread to the lower belly or groin.
Q3. How to reduce kidney stone pain immediately at home?
Home remedies for kidney stone pain include drinking lots of water, applying heat to your lower back or stomach, and taking prescribed over-the-counter medicines.
Q4. Do kidney stones cause back pain?
Yes, kidney stones might affect the back. Pain waves hit the lower back, side, or upper abdomen. Stones in the ureter, which connect the kidney to the bladder, can cause intense pain.
