Kidney stones are hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside your kidneys. They can develop when your urine becomes too concentrated, causing these substances to crystallise and stick together. The stones vary in size, from as small as a grain of sand to as large as a golf ball.

In many cases, small kidney stones can pass through your urinary tract without you even knowing. However, larger stones can cause significant pain and discomfort, especially if they get stuck.

Understanding the first signs of kidney stones is key to catching them early and seeking treatment before they cause more severe problems.

First signs of kidney stones

Pain in your side, back, or abdomen

The first thing you might notice is a sharp pain in your side or lower back, just below the ribs. This pain can come on suddenly and is often described as cramping or throbbing. 

It typically radiates from the back towards the abdomen and groyne as the stone moves through the urinary tract. This pain can fluctuate in intensity, coming in waves and subsiding temporarily before flaring up again.

This discomfort is caused by the kidney stone moving through your urinary tract, irritating the lining as it goes. In more severe cases, the pain can be intense enough to cause nausea and vomiting.

Changes in urination

Changes in your urination habits are also one of the first signs of kidney stones. You may feel an increased need to urinate, even if you don’t pass much urine. 

Some people experience pain or discomfort when urinating, and this is often due to the stone moving through the ureter, the tube connecting your kidneys to your bladder.

If a stone becomes lodged in the ureter, it can cause a blockage that makes it difficult for you to urinate, leading to further complications. Frequent urination or feeling the need to go urgently, especially in small amounts, is another early indicator.

Blood in the urine

If you notice that your urine has changed colour, particularly if it’s pink, red, or brown, this could be a sign of kidney stones. Blood in the urine, known as hematuria, occurs when the stone irritates or scrapes the walls of the urinary tract, causing small amounts of blood to be released.

While other conditions can cause blood in the urine, it’s often one of the more visible signs that a kidney stone is present. Even if the colour change is mild or intermittent, it’s important to get checked by a healthcare professional.

Cloudy or foul-smelling urine

Another early sign to look out for is cloudy or foul-smelling urine. This is often a result of a urinary tract infection (UTI), which can develop if a kidney stone causes a blockage. 

When urine is trapped and bacteria multiply, the infection can cause these noticeable changes in the appearance and odour of your urine.

If you have cloudy urine alongside other symptoms like fever, chills, or pain during urination, it’s important to seek medical attention quickly as infections can escalate.

Nausea and vomiting

The severe pain associated with kidney stones can often trigger nausea and vomiting. This is a common response from your body when it’s dealing with intense discomfort, especially in the abdomen or urinary tract. Nausea and vomiting don’t always occur, but if they do, they can be an indication that the stone is moving or causing a blockage.

Preventing kidney stones

Once you’ve had a kidney stone, you’re more likely to get them again, so prevention is key.

Final notes

Kidney stones can be incredibly painful, but recognising the first signs early can help you seek treatment before the condition worsens. 

Pain in your side or back, changes in urination, and blood in the urine are all key indicators that you might be dealing with kidney stones. 

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s worth getting checked out, as early intervention can help prevent complications and reduce the need for more invasive treatments.