Kidney stones hidden symptoms and how to know if you have passed a stone in urine

Over half a million people visit emergency rooms each year due to kidney stone complications. An estimated one in ten individuals experiences kidney stones at some point in their lives. While often treatable, this condition can cause severe pain and, if left untreated, may lead to kidney infections or impaired kidney function. It is important to have awareness around the condition and also know the hidden symptoms.

A kidney stone is a hard object pebble-like substances that form in the kidneys when minerals and salts in the urine crystallize and stick together. They vary in size: some can be as small as a grain of sand to as large as a pebble, and even as extreme as a golf ball. There are four types of kidney stones: calcium oxalate, uric acid, struvite, and cystine.

Kidney stones can cause severe pain. The symptoms vary depending on their size, location, and whether they obstruct urine flow. Kidney stones are a risk factor for other systemic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, bone fractures, and chronic kidney disease.
In case of small kidney stones, you may not necessarily notice any symptoms. Such small stones usually pass through urine while urination, without any discomfort. However, large stones can cause many symptoms, which range from mild to severe.

If you notice a vague ache in the side or pelvis that comes and goes, it could be an indication. Such pains are often dismissed as muscle strain, but they could also be a sign of kidney stones.

If you notice any change in your urine, it could be a sign. Foul-smelling urine or cloudy urine can signal a stone, even without intense pain. Also frequent urination or a burning sensation could be a sign.

Yes, that's right. A constant urge to vomit can signal kidney stones. Stones can irritate the kidneys, causing nausea or vomiting. Some people may also experience general malaise.

If the colour of the urine is not the usual, it might signal trouble. Hematuria, or pink, red, or brown urine, is a key indicator of kidney stones. However, as it is subtle, the chances are high that it goes unnoticed without close attention.

Most kidney stones smaller than 5 millimeters pass on their own through urine, without needing medical intervention. However, confirming passage can be challenging, especially if pain subsides or the stone is small. Though certain symptoms can suggest a kidney stone is about to pass, only medical methods can give you confirmation. Imaging techniques such as ultrasounds or CT scans can visualize the stone, while urine tests can confirm whether the stone has moved or remains in the urinary tract.
The key is not to ignore symptoms, even the mild ones. Consult a healthcare provider if you experience any of the symptoms.