Kidney Stone Symptoms
What is a kidney stone?
A kidney stone is a mass that develops from crystals that form in the urine. Usually these crystals are prevented from forming by chemicals in the urine but for some people this seems to be absent and these people form stones in their kidneys. If these stones (or calculi - as the doctors will call them) are small enough, they get flushed out of the urinary system with no problems. Most kidney stones are composed of calcium oxalate or calcium phosphate, other kidney stones include struvite, uric acid or cystine.
Kidney stone symptoms
- a sharp cramping pain in the back and side in the kidney area which could radiate to the groin area later
- increased urge to urinate
- blood in the urine
- burning sensation during urination
- fever if there is a secondary bacterial infection
- nausea and vomiting
Not all of these symptoms are present in everyone. It varies with the individuals. See your doctor if you exhibit any of the above signs.
Predisposing factors
- family history of kidney stone - people who have a family history of kidney stone are predisposed to getting it
- White Americans are more prone to getting kidney stones than African Americans
- Men tend to get it more often then women
- Increased incidence in people aged 20-40
- Underlying medical conditions like urinary tract infections, hyperparathyroidism, gout
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Kidney stone symptoms