Last Updated on April 15, 2021
4. Pain or burning during urination
Because kidney stones can move, it’s very frequent that they reach our bladder and ureter junction. Whenever there’s a stone in this area, it’s very common to feel pain whenever you go to the bathroom. This is called dysuria, which is the medical term associated with pain or discomfort when urinating. You can either feel a sharp pain or a burning sensation, which can be related to a urinary tract infection or kidney stone pain. Sometimes you may even get both at once.
5. Belly, side, or back pain
Besides the pain you feel when urinating, you can also experience pain all over your body, notably your back, belly, or on your sides. This type of pain can also be called renal colic, which is one of the worst pains there is. Some people even compare it to childbirth pain. Many people feel obligated to go to the emergency room just because the pain is too intense for them to handle or treat on their own. In fact, over one million people go to the ER for this exact reason on an annual basis. The pain usually starts when the stone starts moving into the narrow ureter, provoking a blockage and consequently building up the pressure in our kidneys. The pressure itself is what ends up activating the nerve fibers that transmit pain to our brain. Also, the pain comes in waves and the size of the stone doesn’t define the pain duration or strength since a little stone can be enough to cause a blockage.
6. Cloudy and/or smelly urine
Urine should be clear without any strong odor. Of course, urine changes depending on our lifestyle and eating habits. Someone who drinks only water will have clear urine, unlike someone who drinks a lot of soda. However, you should look out for cloudy urine and a strong smell since this can mean a possible infection in your urinary tract or kidneys. Drinking water is key to stay hydrated, so if you’re drinking water and your urine is still looking cloudy, maybe you should do a urine test at the nearest clinic.
