What are the symptoms of kidney stones?

A stone may cause pain when it irritates the urinary tract or blocks the flow of urine. The pain can begin suddenly in the side or back, come in waves and move toward the lower abdomen or groin. Some people have nausea or vomiting, an urge to urinate, burning when urinating or difficulty passing urine. Urine may look pink, red or brown when blood is present, although it can also look normal. Small stones may cause few symptoms until they move. These features can overlap with infection and other causes of abdominal pain.

Arrange medical assessment for new, severe or recurring pain, particularly if you notice blood in urine or difficulty passing urine. A clinician may use an examination, urine checks and imaging such as an abdominal ultrasound to assess the stone and urinary tract. Drink normally unless a clinician has advised a fluid restriction; forcing large amounts while blocked or vomiting can make you feel worse. Do not drive if pain medicine or the pain itself affects alertness.

Get urgent help for fever or chills with flank pain, repeated vomiting, inability to pass urine, severe pain that is not settling, or feeling faint or very unwell. A blocked urinary tract with signs of infection needs rapid treatment. Seek advice sooner if you have one functioning kidney, known kidney disease, are pregnant or cannot keep fluids down. Do not assume severe pain is a simple stone without assessment.

Could my symptoms be caused by a stone, infection or another abdominal problem? Do I need an abdominal ultrasound or another test? How should I manage pain and fluids? What changes mean that I should return urgently?